Peshawar, Nov 2 : Fierce clashes continued between the pro-Taliban militants and the security forces at Khwazakhela town of the volatile Swat valley in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

Sirajuddin, a spokesman and military commander of Maulana Fazlullah, while talking to The News from an undisclosed location has said that 70 government fighters have surrendered their arms and were in custody of local Taliban.

According to sources several loud blasts were heard in Kanju, Seedo Sharif, Faza Ghat, Matta and Khwazakhela areas in Swat valley.

Security forces were sporadically firing 7-T missiles and mortar shells from F.C. camp Kanju, Army rest house and mountains of Faza Ghat.

Two officers including 15 security men in Khwazakhela hills have not yet surrendered before Taliban, he said.

The Taliban spokesmen said the militants from a bunker in Khwazakhela have also detained two foreign nationals, and were being interrogated.

Taliban have taken three persons and two government vehicles in their possession in Charbagh area in Khwazakhela police precinct.

Earlier, a temporary ceasefire between Pakistani security forces and insurgents in the Swat valley collapsed on Wednesday, after which 15 to 18 insurgents were killed when helicopter gunships pounded suspected militant positions in the area.

According to government officials, at least 20 people, including 15 to 18 militants, were killed and 17 others injured in the clash in Matta subdivision. Deceased also include Tariq, a close aide of Fazlullah.

The News quoted senior security officials and people close to militants as saying that Fazlullah and his aides had now lost control over his "guest fighters", who arrived there from Mirali in North Waziristan, Darra Adam Khel in FR Kohat, Bajaur Agency and some other areas to fight against the security forces. (ANI)