ISLAMABAD, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nine militants were killed and eight others arrested during ongoing search and clearance operations in northwest Pakistan in the last 24 hours, an army statement said Saturday.

    Exchange of fire took place between security forces and militants in Darra Adam Khel, a town near Peshawar, the capital city of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), during which nine militants were killed and five others were injured, according to the Inter Services Public Relations. Four caves of militants were also destroyed.

    Militants fired 34 rockets at security force check post at Razmak, North Waziristan tribal agency, resultantly two soldiers were killed.

    Security forces continued operations in Swat and Malakand of NWFP. Eight militants were arrested and seven others suspected militants voluntarily surrendered themselves to security forces in the areas.

    About 1,700 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