Four killed, over 600 arrested in Punjab Rangers raids
ISPR says paramilitary force has carried out over 200 search operations under Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
ISPR says paramilitary force has carried out over 200 search operations under Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
LAHORE:
Punjab Rangers have carried out over 200 raids as part of the ongoing countrywide Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations, at least four terrorists have been killed and more than 600 suspects, including Afghan nationals, have been arrested in search operations conducted in various areas of Punjab, including Karor, Layyah and Rawalpindi.
The military on Wednesday announced the launch of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad following a sharp spike in terrorist attacks across the country earlier this month. The operation aims to indiscriminately eliminate all residual and latent terror threats from the country and consolidate gains made during previous military operations.
Army mounts new nationwide offensive
While Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is being carried out across the country, the fact that the decision to launch it was taken during a meeting at the corps headquarters in Lahore suggests that Punjab is central to the new offensive. Many observers say the province has long been ignored when it comes to fighting militant groups due to political expediency and other reasons.
Police arrest 50 in Lahore search operation
Apart from the Rangers raids, Lahore police also carried out a search operation in and around the provincial capital’s Manzoor Colony and Afghan Basti areas. Police used biometric devices to confirm the identities of over 160 people, officials said, adding that 50 suspects were arrested and taken to the Lower Mall police station for further investigations.
Meanwhile, a four member joint investigation team was constituted by the Punjab government to investigate Thursday’s cylinder blast in the city. The Punjab Forensic Science Agency has ruled out any possibility of presence of explosives at the blast site.
Punjab Rangers have carried out over 200 raids as part of the ongoing countrywide Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations, at least four terrorists have been killed and more than 600 suspects, including Afghan nationals, have been arrested in search operations conducted in various areas of Punjab, including Karor, Layyah and Rawalpindi.
The military on Wednesday announced the launch of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad following a sharp spike in terrorist attacks across the country earlier this month. The operation aims to indiscriminately eliminate all residual and latent terror threats from the country and consolidate gains made during previous military operations.
Army mounts new nationwide offensive
While Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is being carried out across the country, the fact that the decision to launch it was taken during a meeting at the corps headquarters in Lahore suggests that Punjab is central to the new offensive. Many observers say the province has long been ignored when it comes to fighting militant groups due to political expediency and other reasons.
Police arrest 50 in Lahore search operation
Apart from the Rangers raids, Lahore police also carried out a search operation in and around the provincial capital’s Manzoor Colony and Afghan Basti areas. Police used biometric devices to confirm the identities of over 160 people, officials said, adding that 50 suspects were arrested and taken to the Lower Mall police station for further investigations.
Meanwhile, a four member joint investigation team was constituted by the Punjab government to investigate Thursday’s cylinder blast in the city. The Punjab Forensic Science Agency has ruled out any possibility of presence of explosives at the blast site.