MINGORA: Eight militants were killed and four were captured during search operations in Swat district on Friday.

Malak Nasir, a nephew of former MPA Malak Dedar, was also taken into custody in Bahrain for his links with militants.

According to Swat Media Centre, security forces conducted search operation in Dakorak area of Charbagh tehsil early in the morning.

During an exchange of fire with troops, local Taliban leader Fida Hussain and his four aides, Latif, Arsal Khan, Mohammad Anwar and Roshan were killed.

Troops seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition. A military spokesman said that the Fida Hussain group was wanted in cases of looting a bank’s van, killing of security guard and attacks on security forces in Charbagh, Khwazakhela and Alam Gunj.

In another exchange of fire with troops, militant leader Fazal Maabud was killed and his aide was injured.

In Kabal tehsil, troops killed alleged militants Abdul Wali and Bakht Sher in a clash.

In search operations in Shakar Dara and Bazkheal, three men and a burqa-clad woman were arrested. Two militants surrendered to security forces in Mingora.