Security forces arrested 16 militants and a top rebel commander surrendered in northwest Pakistan while troops cleared more rebel-held areas in Waziristan today. Taliban commander Ajmal Khan surrendered to security forces in Buner district of the North West Frontier Province. Khan was among the important commanders of the Taliban in Swat valley. A total of 16 militants were apprehended during search and clearance operations at different places in Swat. Four rebels also surrendered in the region. The homes of two wanted militants were demolished by troops in Kabal sub-division of Swat.<br/>Security forces also carried out search and clearance operations in Jandola, Shakai and Razmak sectors of Waziristan and seized caches of arms and ammunition. Troops apprehended a number of suspects in in Jani Khel area of Jandola sector.<br/> <br/>Meanwhile, the army today acknowledged that there was "collateral damage" during a targeted strike on a compound in Orakzai tribal region on Saturday. Eight militants were killed in the strike.<br/>