LAHORE: The Zarb-i-Aahan operation against the Chotoo gang in the riverine area of Rajanpur has entered a ‘complex phase’ after security forces have detected some phone numbers the gang dialled to talk to Balochistan-based militants and seized a truck loaded with sophisticated weapons.

The truck was entering Rajanpur district from Dera Bugti side when it was stopped by the FC personnel manning checkposts on the Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan borders.

A well-placed source said that the truck was loaded with landmines, hand-grenades, Kalashnikovs and other explosive materials.

He said security forces were investigating the matter to determine whether the seized weapons were meant for the gangsters of the riverine area of Rajanpur or for any other anti-state activity. Most of the seized weapons were Russian-made.

Truck coming from Dera Bugti and carrying Russian-made arms seized

The source told Dawn that security forces had arrested another three facilitators of the Chotoo gang from Rojhan tehsil of Rajanpur in the wake of geo-fencing of the island and nearby areas.

He claimed that the arrested facilitators were members of the core team of the Chotoo gang and used to provide information to the dacoits about the movement of security personnel.

“The presence of Baloch elements and splinter groups of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan cannot be ruled out on the troubled island,” the source said.

He said the operation had been halted as the forces were in negotiations with the Chotoo gang since top priority remained the safe release of policemen held hostage by the group.

He said a platoon of SSG commandos had entered the island after the dacoits retreated to dense forest in the wake of air strikes and shelling on their frontline bunkers.

Answering a question about the ringleader of Chotoo gang, the source said that he was insisting on safe passage for himself, his loyal companions and release of members of his family arrested by security forces.

“He has refused to surrender unconditionally,” the source said.

Dawn’s correspondent in D.G. Khan added that the security forces arrested a member of the gang when he was trying to flee from the island. He was identified as Ramzan, but officially there was no confirmation.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2016