The bullet-riddled bodies of 18 Taliban militants apparently killed by furious residents seeking revenge were discovered yesterday in Swat valley, officials said. “Eighteen dead bodies of militants were found in Barikot, Shamozai, Kabal and Kanju,” a local military spokesman said. “They had been apparently shot dead by residents who fear that the Taliban might return. These militants were not killed in any military operation... The heads of some of the bodies had been smashed with hammers.” Atif-ur-Rehman, administrative chief of Swat district, confirmed that 18 bodies had been found but he had no further details. Geo News television channel quoted unnamed officials as saying the bodies found were believed to be those of Taliban fighters.