MINGORA: At least three suspected militants and a soldier were killed in a clash during a search operation in Khwar Pattey area of Swat on Saturday night.

According to sources,security personnel launched the operation after receiving information that some militants were hiding in caves in the mountains of Khwar Pattey.

A civilian was injured and three militants and a soldier died when an encounter took place dur-ing the operation.

Fear gripped local residents after exchange of heavy fire between security personnel and militants.

According to an ISPR statement, it was a routine search operation. However, ISPR officials did not confirm any casualty.