ISLAMABAD, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 16 militants voluntarily surrendered to security forces in Pakistan's northwest as search and clearance operations are continuing, according to a military press release Tuesday.

    It said that the militants surrendered themselves in various towns of Swat and Malakand of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

    The security forces also arrested 27 militants, including a local militant commander Umer Nawab, in the search and clearance operations in those areas, it added.

    About the relief activities, it said that 305,060 cash cards have been distributed among the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Malakand.

    Pakistani security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April after militants early that month 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