Heavy fighting in Pakistan valley

Militants taunt security forces

Pakistani forces backed by helicopter gunships have struck suspected militant positions in the north-west, killing at least 16 militants, the army says.

Pro-Taleban militants were killed as fighting continued in the Swat valley for a third day, the military said.

There has been no comment from the militants. A partial curfew has been imposed in the district.

On Monday, the military took over operations against the militants on the orders of President Pervez Musharraf.

The attacks will continue till we ensure the area has been cleared of the militants Waheed Arshad, military spokesman

The 16 alleged militants were killed in raids near the towns of Mingora and Shangla on Wednesday, military spokesman Gen Waheed Arshad said.

"The militants were killed in three different incidents... We will use ground troops where necessary," Gen Arshad said.

Earlier on Wednesday an army convoy was hit by a roadside bomb in nearby Malakand agency as it travelled to Swat.

Gen Arshad said eight soldiers had been injured. Locals said at least two of the soldiers were killed and two army vehicles completely destroyed.

There has been no independent confirmation of any of the reports.

Schools hit

The Swat valley, next to Pakistan's tribal areas, has been in the grip of an insurgency since October.

The situation worsened after a pro-Taleban cleric and his supporters sought to implement his brand of Islamic law.

The militants have since taken over large parts of the outlying areas of the valley, as well as at least four small towns in the district.

Observers say the security forces' largely inhibited movements have increasingly emboldened the militants.

Heavy fighting has caused damage to civilian areas, forcing large numbers of residents to flee.

Correspondents say army shelling has resulted in damage to several houses and schools.

Gen Musharraf says worsening security in Swat and other parts of Pakistan is one of the main reasons for his declaring a state of emergency on 3 November.