Peshawar, 10 Sept. (AKI/DAWN) - At least 15 militants were killed during a search-and-cordon operation in Pakistan's volatile Swat valley late on Wednesday, the military said in a statement. A large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was seized during raids, it said.

According to Pakistani military's Inter Services Public Relations, 19 militants surrendered in Sarsenai, Shah Dhand Banda, Bar Shor, Galoch and Kala Kalley, while another 11 suspects were arrested in the areas of Dosra Banda, Bar Thana and others.

Meanwhile, Pakistani security forces blew up five houses of suspected militants in Manglawar, located in the Swat valley. The forces had earlier declared the area clear of militants.

Also police managed to defuse a bomb placed on a road near the Fizagat tourist resort on the outskirts of Mingora.

In Kokrai area of Saidu Sharif, three militants were killed in a clash after an attack on a police vehicle.