ISLAMABAD, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Four militants were killed including two commanders and 34 others were apprehended in northwest Pakistan in the military operation during last 24 hours, an army press release said on Wednesday.

    Security forces carried out search and sweep operation in selected houses in Swat and Bunnu district in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Militants commander Muhammad Rasol and Akram were killed while 34 suspected militants were apprehended along with a large quantity of arms and devices.

    Relief activities were continued by security forces. So far twelve trucks carrying 50 tons army rations have been dispatched to Chakdara and 83,896 cash cards have been distributed amongst the Internally Displaced Persons of Malakand division in NWFP, according to the statement.

    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.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation