October 26, 2007	Friday	Shawwal 13, 1428

QUETTA, Oct 25: Security forces launched an operation against militants in the mountain areas of Nushki district and arrested scores of people after destroying their camps.

“Security forces eliminated four farari camps of militants in Patkeen area,” a spokesman for the Frontier Corps said on Thursday.

Sources said that FC troops had moved into the area near Nushki and taken over control of the four camps after an encounter with militants.

A number of people were arrested during the operation.

The security forces seized a huge quantity of rocket launchers, heavy machine-guns, AK-47 rifles and other weapons.

It is learnt that some high-profile people are among the arrested. “The arrested militants were handed over to the authorities concerned for interrogation,” the sources said, adding that the operation would continue till the removal of hideouts of armed men involved in subversive activities in Balochistan.

The spokesman claimed the operation had been launched to protect people as the militants were planning terrorist activities in the area. The sources said security forces were engaged in the operation for four days.

Eyewitness said that gunship helicopters were also taking part in the operation.