Swat offensive 'over in three days'

Pakistan's offensive against militants in the Swat valley could be over in days, according to the country's defence minister.

Syed Athar Ali told a meeting of Asian nations in Singapore that only "5% to 10% of the job" remains after the army drove Taliban rebels out of Mingora on Saturday.

However, Pakistan's military spokesman said this timescale was overly optimistic.

Army spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas told the BBC: "The main cities in the Swat valley stand clear.

"The operation is being conducted in the countryside (around) the valley and it will take a little more time.

"It's difficult to give a timeline because this is an elusive enemy that has strongholds in the countryside."

The scene of devastation in Mingora became apparent as people trapped at home for weeks emerged in search of food at barren shops.

One resident, Afzal Khan, said: "We have been starving for many days. We have been cooking tree leaves to keep ourselves alive.

"Thank God it is over. We need food. We need help. We want peace."

The smell of explosives hung in the air, while corpses lay exposed in the Swat Valley's main city.