ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Security forces killed 18 militants and arrested 23 others in northwest Pakistan while three soldiers were killed during the last 24 hours, said an army press release on Tuesday.

    Security forces conducted clearance and search operation in Swat, Dir Buner areas in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) while18 militants were killed, according to the statement.

    The army said it has reliably learnt that during clearance of Biha valley in Malakand division of NWFP, the 18 wounded militants, who could not have been taken to safety, were slaughtered by their own people on orders of their commanders.

    Relief activities are carried out by the security forces. Most of the Internally Displaced Persons of Buner have returned to their villages, said the statement.

    Meanwhile, a local official said on Tuesday that Taliban network has been fully destroyed in Malakand division.

    Security forces initiated a major offensive against militants in NWFP late April. The ongoing operation has entered its final phase and over 1,600 militants have been killed. The security forces are currently engaged in an operation in Waziristan tribal areas.