Ceasefire declared in Swat

Ceasefire was declared between the security forces and pro-Taliban militants in Swat valley in Pakistans North West Frontier Province (NWFP) on Friday.

Peshawar, Oct 26 : Ceasefire was declared between the security forces and pro-Taliban militants in Swat valley in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) on Friday.

Earlier today, troops backed by gunship helicopters clashed with militant cleric Maulana Fazalullah's supporters at his hideout leaving three rebels dead, The News quoted officials as saying.

Heavy fighting broke out in Swat valley a day after a blast tore through a security forces vehicle, killing about 30 people, in an apparent reaction to the arrival of more than 2,000 troops in the area earlier this week.

Maulana Fazlullah, a powerful rebel cleric who advocates jihad and Taliban-style rule in the region, had gone underground after an attack on the army convoy.

Fazlullah, who used to run an illegal FM radio station in Swat, had earlier announced after consultations with clerics that he would go to Kohistan.

Sources said that he was not in Kohistan and was believed to be hiding in Swat's Matta area.

Earlier, the army announced on Wednesday that it was sending in 2,500 additional troops to Swat to maintain law and order.

Fazlullah warned in a speech the same day that his supporters would retaliate if security forces attacked them.

ANI