ISLAMABAD, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least eight militants were killed and 44 surrendered in search and clearance operations in the Swat valley of Pakistan's northwest, the army said Sunday.

    The security forces conducted a search operation in parts of the Swat valley and also killed militant commander Chamtu Khan, according to a military press release.

    It said that the first cousin of former Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan was among those arrested.

    The security forces conducted a search operation at Jambil and killed three militants.

    They also arrested several Taliban militants. The local Lashkarmilitia also apprehended three militants from the Shah Dheri area in Swat.

    The security forces have killed over 1,800 militants since May this year when a major offensive was launched, according to the figures by the army.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation