Peshawar, Nov : As many as 15 persons suspected Taliban were killed as troops backed by helicopter gunships targeted hideouts in the Swat valley last evening.

The regional military spokesman said that 11 Taliban were killed in the Mangaltan area of Charbagh tehsil.

Besides, two suspects were also killed in the Gashkor area of Khwazakhela. Other two were shot dead in the Chapparyal area in Matta tehsil.

Local PPP leader Sirajuddin and a woman councilor were shot dead separately in the troubled valley on Monday, reported the Daily Times.

According to the paper, five Taliban were killed when troops retaliated to raids on several checkposts in the Pindyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency early on Monday.

Suspected Taliban blew up the Leera Pul checkpost on the Bannu-Mirian road. The post was not manned at the time of the attack. A Halimzai jirga handed over to the political administration 17 of the 30 wanted suspects that the government had asked for on Saturday. They were released on bail. (ANI)