GILGIT: Security forces launched a massive operation against anti-peace elements in Chilas after receiving a tip-off about the presence of two high-profile terrorists in the remote northern town on Saturday.

The two terrorists were arrested after forces cordoned off the entire town in a major operation, they claimed.

“We have arrested two high-profile terrorists who were directly involved in the terror incident of the Nanga Parbat in which ten foreign climbers were killed,” said a senior police official requesting not to be named.

Gunmen had shot dead nine foreign mountaineers and their tour guide at the 4,200-meter base camp of Nanga Parbat, the country’s second highest peak on June 23, 2013.

The attack on the last peak was claimed by a small militant group said to be affiliated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Saturday that some phone calls were intercepted which disclosed the location of the terrorists and the entire area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched.

Senior Superintendent of the Police in District Diamer, Muhammad Naveed confirmed that two terrorists were taken into custody after the operation carried out jointly by the police and security forces.

He did not disclose the identity of the terrorists and said naming them right now would spoil the operation because there was a likelihood of further breakthrough.

Shaheen Coat, Takia and Jalil points of the city were completely sealed and no one was allowed to enter or exit the town.

Police also claimed both terrorists were hiding disguised in women’s clothing when they were taken into custody.

Door-to-door search continued for the last 30 hours and police officials said more raids were to be conducted soon.

Earlier, the SSP Diamer said there were serious threats of terrorism and security has been tightened up in the city and a heavy contingent of police has been deployed in particular areas.

He said that the police was fully prepared to cope with the situation. He spoke well of the security agencies and said their cooperation made arrest of the culprits possible for the police.

The official said a large number of weapons was also recovered during the operation while 15 individuals were also taken into custody who were later cleared as there was no criminal record against them nor their involvement was found in any criminal activity.