PESHAWAR, Nov 6: Militants seized the town of Madyan in Swat on Tuesday and hoisted their flags over buildings after security forces surrendered, police and residents said.

Madyan is the third town to come under the effective control of followers of Maulana Fazlullah, who is demanding enforcement of Sharia in Swat.

“They seized Madyan town today, they have overrun Matta and Khwazakhela towns in their earlier push,” a police official said.

Police gave up their weapons, vehicles and control of local police stations, the officer and local residents said.

The militants are continuing their advance, the official said.

Residents said the militants were patrolling the town.

Witnesses said Fazlullah’s supporters hoisted their flags over government buildings and guarded important sites, such as banks and bazaars.

At least 37 police and paramilitary soldiers left the main police station without a fight after militants surrounded the town and assured them that they would not be harmed, residents said.

A militant source said police turned over 35 Kalashnikovs. Police also retreated from two more police posts in nearby villages.

Earlier, the militants seized the Matta town after outnumbered security forces laid down their arms, militants and police said.

About two dozen police officers and several troops offered no resistance to militants who seized three police stations and a military post in and around Matta.

A Swat police official said authorities had sent helicopter gunships to target militant positions in the area.—Agencies