Raids in Punjab: 5 ‘terrorists’ killed during search operations

Seven sustain injuries; 46 suspects, including 11 Afghans, apprehended

LAHORE: Five suspected terrorists were killed and seven wounded on Friday during law enforcing agencies (LEAs) joint search and intelligence-based (IBOs) operations carried out in different parts of Punjab as part of the ongoing operation Radd-ul-Fasaad (RuF).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted by Punjab Rangers, police and intelligence agencies in DG Khan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Sialkot, Shakargarh and Jand, Attock and Sheikhupura.

“46 suspects [were] apprehended including 11 Afghani. Weapons and ammo [were] also recovered.”

According to Rangers spokesperson, the Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) Director General Major General Azhar Naveed Hayat Khan visited DG Khan to review progress of ongoing joint operations and security tasks being performed by the paramilitary force.

“He personally supervised joint cordon and search operation in the tribal area of DG Khan. He appreciated efforts of all and instructed to further intensify the pace of ongoing operations,” he said.

Talking to Rangers troops, Khan reiterated that all efforts will be put in to squeeze the space for terrorists and their abettors, the statement added.

According to an update on the RuF issued by the ISPR on Friday, dozens of alleged terrorists have been killed during the operation.

“Nine officers and men of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Frontier Constabulary have embraced martyrdom. While ten jawans and two policemen have also sustained injuries,” the statement said.

“Terrorists operating in Pakistan are being supported by terrorist elements hiding in the areas of Afghanistan… it is hoped that the Afghan government, its security departments and international community will play their positive role to help improve the deteriorating situation,” it added.

[WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP]

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2017.