MINGORA: Unidentified assailants on Tuesday shot dead two policemen outside a bank in Matta Bazaar in the restive Swat valley.

“Aziz Ahmad and Sardar were guarding the Habib Bank Limited in Matta Bazaar when unidentified assailants opened fire on them, killing both of them on the spot,” police and eyewitnesses said.

Sources said soon after the incident, all the shops in the area were closed and the security

forces cordoned off the area and started a search operation. “At least 24 suspected militants were arrested and heavy arms and a motorbike recovered from them,” the sources added.

The area is in the grip of intense fear as militants have intensified their activities in the restive valley by targeting government installations and security personnel. This was the second such incident in the last 24 hours when the policemen were targeted by unknown attackers. Earlier, a policeman, Haroon-ur-Rasheed was shot dead in Rahat Koat area of Matta Tehsil on Monday.