GHOTKI (MNN); Three additional bandits were killed on Saturday during an ongoing joint operation by police and Rangers against armed dacoits in the katcha areas of Ubauro along the Sindh-Punjab border, officials said.
Sources said heavy exchanges of gunfire continued as the operation entered its fourth day. Police officials reported that security forces faced strong resistance while advancing into the riverine area, resulting in intense gun battles in which heavy weapons were used by both sides.
During the latest phase of the action, three more ānotoriousā bandits were neutralised, raising the total death toll to nine since the launch of the operation. Police said several other dacoits were injured, while dozens of their hideouts were destroyed.
Authorities said search and targeted actions are still under way at multiple katcha locations as security forces push forward to completely clear the area. The operation, they added, will continue until its objectives are met and law and order is fully restored.
The crackdown was launched following an abduction incident on the night of December 15 in Ghotki district, when armed bandits attacked a passenger bus travelling from Sadiqabad to Quetta. The attackers kidnapped 19 passengers, while an exchange of fire with police left the bus driver and several passengers injured.
During the earlier rescue operation, police deployed armoured vehicles, modern surveillance equipment and drones to strike the banditsā positions. All abducted passengers were later recovered safely.
In the current phase, police confirmed that drones were also used to target a boat being used by the bandits, disrupting their movement and supply routes in the riverine belt. Security forces remain on high alert as operations continue across the katcha areas of Ubauro.
