Islamabad, Aug 3 (Xinhua) The Pakistani Army has captured 19 militants during search operations in northwestern part of the country, officials said Monday.

In the past 24 hours to Monday evening, the security forces have captured 19 militants in the Swat and Buner regions of Pakistan, the army said in a statement.

It added that 17 militants were captured in the Swat area, while two others were apprehended in the adjoining Buner region.

Officials said militants are increasingly coming forward to surrender voluntarily.

The security forces have also recovered a huge cache of weapons from the Buner area.