Security forces killed 11 militants during the last 24 hours in the operation in northwestern Pakistan, the army said on Wednesday.

Four security personnel were also killed and 12 others injured in the operation in Swat of North West Frontier Province, a statement released by the Inter Services Public Relations said.

An important militant commander was also among the killed. The security forces continued to attack militants' hideouts and the operation was heading forward.

As many as 751 militants have been killed since the military operations in northwestern Pakistan began late April, the army said on Tuesday. A total of 29 security personnel were killed and 77 others were injured in the operation.

The provincial government of North West Frontier Province inked a deal with an outlawed group led by cleric Sufi Muhammad in February. The government agreed to enforce Sharia, or Islamic law, in Malakand Division of NWFP including the restive Swat valley once the peace was restored there.

However, Taliban militants in early April entered Buner District from the neighboring Swat district and were reluctant to vacate the area despite their pledge to do so. The security forces then started a military operation against them in Buner, followed by operations in other areas in the northwest.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2009)