55 Taliban killed; Gilani says war for Pakistan's 'survival'

Islamabad, May 9: Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships killed at least 55 Taliban in the troubled Swat valley today as the government said the military offensive, crucial for the "survival of the country", will continue till terrorists are eliminated.

The "full-scale operation" against the Taliban targeted militant hideouts in in Mingora, the main town of Swat as also bases in Matta, Qambar, Ziarat, Mushkomai and Chamtalai areas, the military said in a statement adding that 55 militants have reportedly been killed.

With this, the total of number of Taliban militants killed in three days of operations climbed near 200. Fighter jets and helicopter gunships pounded militant positions across the scenic valley located 160 km from Islamabad.

The army said the Taliban "are on the run" and accused them of "trying to block the exodus of innocent civilians" and even taking them hostages.

The operation will continue till terrorists are eliminated, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said. Responding to a question on whether the operation was launched due to international pressure, Gilani said the "this is our own war, a war for the survival of the country and the future of the people. We had no other option." PTI