As many as 37 militants were killed during the last 24 hours in different parts of Swat in northwestern Pakistan, said the military in a press release on Wednesday.

"Militants in gross violation of peace accord, continued firing at various check posts of security forces in Kanju, Saidu Sharif, Matta and other areas of Swat. Militants have planted IEDs ( improvised explosive devices) in various areas of Swat to inflict causalities on security forces and civilians," it said.

Two soldiers were killed Wednesday due to an IED blast in Bahrain, Swat, it said.

Armed militants have come down from their hideouts into the cities and have occupied civil houses and government buildings and have looted three banks in Mingora, the main city in Swat, according to the military.

Security forces were targeted from the emerald mines, it said, in retaliatory fire 35 militants were killed around the emerald mines at Takhtaband by pass.

The operation in Buner and Lower Dir is progressing smoothly and search and cordon operation is being carried out in various areas, said the military.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2009)