(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-27 23:05

ISLAMABAD -- Over 200 militants have been killed through security forces operations since the start of operation in northwestern Pakistan's Swat valley, Interior Ministry Spokesman Brig Javed Iqbal Cheema said on Tuesday.

Addressing a weekly news briefing here, Cheema said he hoped the situation in Swat would return to normal before the elections.

Cheema said the operation to neutralize hardcore militants in Swat valley was progressing very well and had secured areas of Kanju, Kuza Bande, Bara Bande and Mam Dheri.

The security forces were consolidating their positions and people of the area were wholeheartedly cooperating with the government in its efforts to eliminate terrorists.

Around 2,500 security forces soldiers were sent to Swat valley on October 24 to stop illegal activities of militants.