Four militants of banned outfit killed in Panjgur
Four militants of banned outfit killed in Panjgur - PakTribune
QUETTA: The security forces' operation in the Panjgur district of Balochistan was continuing and four militants of a banned organisation were killed in an exchange of fire with the law enforcing agencies on Saturday.
Sources said the action was ongoing since Friday, adding that during the search conducted in the area, a security forces surrounded a compound from where armed men started shooting. The exchange of fire lasted for several hours during which the armed men also attempted to escape.
Four of the terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire from security forces personnel who recovered two Kalashnikovs, a pistol and other ammunition from the compound. It was not clear whether there were any other men present at the compound or if the security forces took any men into custody.
As part of a joint search operation carried out by the police and the Frontier Corps (FC) across various areas of Mastung, at least 17 terrorist suspects were captured and presented before the media.
Colonel Azam of the FC briefed the media, saying that a massive search operation was carried out jointly at various areas of Mastung, including Dareen Garh, Kanak, Babari, Kandhawa, Umerabad, Nawazan, Besham, Koshak, Dolai and Kali Nihal, on the direction of the Balochistan provincial government.
Forces have surrounded the area with the help of check posts installed at entry and exit points of the area. At least 350 FC personnel participated in the operation that is being carried out with the help of two helicopters and armour among other weapons. According to Col Azam, targeted operations across various areas, commissioned by the provincial government, will continue.
At least 90 suspects were arrested in the search operation carried out on Saturday, out of which 73 were released after questioning and preliminary investigation. The remaining 17 were booked under terrorism charges and presented before the media.
After consultation with the federal government, the Balochistan government had ordered a massive operation against the miscreants in Mastung after the killing of 29 Hazaras by terrorists.
Meanwhile, at least 15 bodies were found buried in the Totak area in Khudzar on Saturday. According to media reports, five bodies have been recovered while digging is underway to locate more bodies, according to Deputy Commissioner Abdul Waheed Shah. He said the bodies were dumped in different areas. The identity of the victims could not be determined yet.
