ISLAMABAD, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan security forces apprehended three militants during the last 24 hours while five soldiers were injured, the army said in a press release on Tuesday.

    The army said security forces are in the final phase of search and clearance operation.

    They also recovered arms and ammunitions in the operation in Malakand of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

    In the nearby Bajaur tribal region, five soldiers were injured when terrorists attacked a security forces vehicle when they carried out consolidation, the army said.

    According to the statement, 3,548 Cash Cards were distributed among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Malakand and 744 Tons of rations have been distributed among IDPs of Swat.

    At least 1,500 militants have been killed since security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April. Militants in early April entered the Buner district from the neighboring Swat district and refused to vacate the area despite their pledge to do so.