Days after capturing Mingora, the main city in Swat district, security forces continued their push into nearby areas controlled by the Taliban and have surrounded Charbagh town, 20 kms north of Swat's capital, where some top Taliban commanders are holed up.

"Eighteen militants and two soldiers were killed in fighting in the past 24 hours in various areas of Swat and South Waziristan tribal region," an Army statement said. Thirteen militants were apprehended and four soldiers and as many civilians were injured in the fighting, it added.

But the security forces are reported to be facing "stiff resistance" in operations to link up troops in Kabal and Sirsanai, the other main towns in Swat.

"Security forces have encircled Charbagh town where some top Taliban commanders are holed up," the statement said.

Charbagh has been described as a major Taliban stronghold after Peochar.

Army has set up checkpoints in the towns of Khwazakhela and Manglawar, north and south of Charbagh to effectively cut off any supplies to the Taliban, military officials said.

Attack helicopters and artillery shelled military hideouts in Kabal and lower Malam Jabba. Security forces also entered Kalam, a strategic valley 90 kms north of Mingora where militant commanders are suspected to have set up command structures to direct attacks against Army.

The intensification of operations in Swat comes, amidst speculations that the Army after winding up campaign in Swat valley might launch offensive in the Waziristan district.

Senior Pakistani defence and military officials have said that the five-week offensive to crack down on Taliban fighters in the northwest could end within days as only 10 to 15 per cent of the job remains to be done.

As the military campaign entered the sixth week, the authorities claimed normalcy was returning to Mingora at a "fast pace" and food items and medicines were being provided to the local residents.

The military lifted curfew in seven towns in the Swat valley in a further sign of confidence that the crack down against Taliban is making progress.

The relaxation allowed thousands of people caught in the battle to leave their homes to procure food, medicines and other supplies that have dwindled because of the fighting.