Fragile Security in Swat Valley: Pakistani Troops Battle Militants Amid Refugee Return

Pakistan's fragile security is underscored by continued clashes between troops and militants in the Swat Valley, even as refugees displaced by fighting return home. The latest clashes resulted in the deaths of 13 militants, according to the army. Meanwhile, a repatriation program has begun, with thousands of refugees heading back to their homes, despite complications and concerns over promised financial aid.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistani troops killed 13 militants in clashes in the Swat Valley, with six militants killed in a battle in Kabal town.
• The clashes occurred despite the army's claim that most of Swat is militant-free and that all main urban centers are under army control.
• The army has killed more than 1,700 militants since its latest offensive against the Taliban began in Swat over two months ago.
• A government repatriation program has begun, with thousands of refugees heading back to their homes, despite concerns over promised financial aid.
• Refugees are returning home despite government requests to wait, causing traffic jams at roadblocks.
• Complications have arisen in the repatriation program, with some refugees demanding financial aid before returning home.
• A roadside bomb exploded at a police checkpoint elsewhere in the northwest, killing a paramilitary soldier and a police officer and wounding six policemen.

Statistics:

• 13 militants killed in the latest clashes in the Swat Valley.
• 6 militants killed in a battle in Kabal town.
• 8 alleged insurgents, including 2 foreigners, killed in Kabal, according to the military.
• 1 soldier died in the exchange of fire.
• 5 other suspected militants died in other clashes.
• More than 2 million residents of Swat and surrounding districts have fled their homes due to the offensive.
• 23,951 families are registered at relief camps in the northwest.
• 1,572 families have returned to the valley since the repatriation program began.

Sources:

• Munir Ahmad Associated Press
• Daily Star, "Pakistani troops kill 13 militants in Swat Valley," 2009 (original article not dated)
• United Nations (no source date provided)