Operation: Security forces take seven suspect militants into custody

Contingents of the Pakistan Army surrounded Mattani village on Saturday.

PESHAWAR:

Security forces backed by local police raided several houses in Mattani. They arrested at least seven people suspected of having ties with militants.

Contingents of the Pakistan Army surrounded Mattani village early morning on Saturday and took the suspects into custody. They were blindfolded and taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

“They entered two houses in Mohallah Tokar Khel around 5 am and arrested two people, including a resident Ijaz. Sharbat Khan was also arrested from a nearby street,” said Haji Asad Khan, a local elder and former nazim of the Mattani Union Council.

The raids were conducted following last week’s deadly blast targeting a passenger coach that left nine people dead and another 10 injured.

Last month, security forces and the police conducted a large-scale search operation in several villages. More than 40 people were arrested, but six of them were released later.

“Last time, security forces conducted their search operation in Mattani, Darwazgai, Rahimabad, and Zakahel villages,” said Haji Asad, adding that this time, the operation was limited in scope.

Militant activity has increased in the area in recent days and residents of Adezai and Awami National Party (ANP) workers fear they might face a bloodied election process.

The police said a motorbike has also been impounded from a house, which according to their information was being used by militants. All suspects in custody have been handed over to the security forces for interrogation.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2013.