RAWALPINDI: Police in Rawalpindi conducted a search operation Sunday and arrested 20 suspects, DawnNews reported.

The operation, headed by SP Rawal Town, Malik Karamat, was carried out within the remit of the Sadiqabad police station — Kurri Road, Dhok Kala Khan — and Fauji Colony area in Peeru Dahi.

A large contingent of elite forces also participated in the operation and carried out surprise checking in various areas of Rawalpindi.

During the operation, elite forces inspected hotels, under-construction buildings, car drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Subsequently, 20 suspects were arrested whereas over 100 suspects were released after production of identity cards.

According to a police official, the operation would continue until illegal foreigners were not traced.

Rawalpindi is the military headquarters of the Pakistan Armed Forces. On October 10, 2009, eleven soldiers had lost their lives in an attack when 10 heavily armed militants, wearing suicide vests, stormed the General Head Quarters (GHQ), holding off commandos for hours.

The banned militant organisation Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had claimed responsibility for the attack. Whereas, 13 people were killed and 18 others were wounded in a bomb blast near the R.A. Bazaar in Rawalpindi on Jan 20 early this year. The attack was claimed by the TTP.