GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts and army launched a targeted operation against terrorists in Mosarpar area of Diamer district on Tuesday and arrested two militants, sources said.

The operation was launched after terrorists attacked a police station in Dodishal Diamer. Scores of security forces personnel were flown to the hilly area in five helicopters on Tuesday morning to take part in the operation, sources said. Mosarpar, a remote area, is situated 10 kilometres away from Chillas, the district headquarters of Diamer, near the border of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to a handout issued by home department, scouts and army were taking part in the operation. It said that helicopter gunships destroyed the hideouts of militants in Mosarpar. Two suspected militants were arrested in the operation, it added.

Also read: Terrorists in army uniform storm police station in Diamer

“The operation will remain continued,” said that handout. It said that the operation was launched against those militants, who were involved in four major attacks in the area including the one on Dodishal police station in army uniforms.

Source said that Mosarpar was a safe haven for militants as the hilly area was covered with thick forests. They said that the operation would continue till arrest of the militants, who were also involved in killing of 49 passengers belonging to Shia sect in 2012.

Ten foreign tourists and their Pakistani guide were killed at Nanga Parbat base camp in Diamer district in 2013. Meanwhile, police have also launched an operation in Darel and Tanger areas of the district against militants.

Sources said that hundreds of policemen, led by SSP Jahangir, were taking part in the operation.

Editorial: Diamer raid

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2014