Pakistani forces encircle Mingora, capital of Taliban Swat

Description: A deadly confrontation looms large for the control of Taliban-infested Mingora, the capital of Swat valley, as Pakistani troops surround the crucial town, even as 54 militants and nine soldiers were killed in intense fighting in the northwestern region. Security forces, backed by helicopters gunships and artillery were moving towards the Taliban-controlled Mingora, from four directions and had achieved a "lot of success" while keeping collateral damage low, chief military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said. Pakistan Army had airdropped commandos behind Taliban lines early this week, surrounding an estimated 4,000-5,000 fighters in and around Mingora, but so far have not marched into the town.