ISLAMABAD, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Fourteen militants were killed and few others were apprehended while four soldiers were injured in military operation in northwest Pakistan during last 24 hours, an army press release said on Monday.

    Security forces carried out search operation in Swat, Dir, Buner and Bannu district in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). 14 militants were killed and several others arrested during exchange of fire with security forces, and a large quantity of arms and devices were recovered, according to the press release.

    Relief activities were continued by security forces. So far, 4,872 families have returned to Bajur, Buner, Shangla and Dir. 6,140 cash cards were distributed amongst the Internally Displaced Persons of Malakand division of NWFP between July 3 and July 5.

    Over 1,600 militants have been killed since Pakistani security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April after 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.