Islamabad, Aug 29 (DPA) Pakistani security forces killed at least six militants in the country's restive north-western Swat region, the army said Saturday.

Pakistan launched military operations in the area in late April against local Taliban who violated a peace deal with the government to advance dangerously close to capital Islamabad.

The government announced last month that it had defeated the rebels and destroyed their network, but warned that sporadic violence may continue for some time.

The military is conducting clearance operations in the areas frequented by the militants.

'Security forces carried out a search operation at Thana area and killed five terrorists during exchange of fire,' the army said in a statement.