Islamabad, Aug 6 (Xinhua) Security forces have killed seven militants and arrested 17 in operations in northwest Pakistan, the army said Thursday.

Security forces continued search and clearance operations in Swat and Malakand in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) with the support of local tribal volunteers. Seven militants were killed in the exchange of fire and 17 were arrested in various areas of Swat, the daily update of Inter Services Public Relations said.

Over 1,600 militants have been killed since Pakistani security forces launched operations against Taliban militants late April after militants entered the Buner district from the neighbouring Swat district in early April and refused to vacate the area.