ISLAMABAD Armed residents foiled an attempt by the Taliban to expand their reach in more areas of Swat Valley, officials said on Thursday.

The attempted infiltration in Kalam indicated militants are feeling pinched by an army offensive and are seeking new shelter, while the local resistance suggested growing public confidence in the anti-Taliban operation.

Deputy Nazim Shamshad Haqqai told AP that about 50 Taliban fighters tried to enter Kalam, but that residents gathered quickly on Wednesday to fight them off. They captured eight militants during a shootout and were expecting another attack, Mr Haqqai said.

“We will not allow Taliban to come here,” he said.

Kalam, a town in the far north of the valley, has about 50,000 residents and has so far remained beyond Taliban control.—AP