ISLAMABAD: A search operation in Bhara Kahu on Saturday led to a gunbattle between some residents of the area and a raiding team comprising police, Rangers and agencies.

No casualties from either side were reported, police officials said.

A police officer, on condition of anonymity, said when a joint team was carrying out the operation, a group of armed men opened fire on the personnel.

The raiding team retaliated and after an exchange of heavy fire, succeeded in arresting the gunmen, the police officer said.

After the arrest they were handed over to a security agency and shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

The officer did not rule out possibility of their links with militant outfits.

Inspector General of Police Tahir Alam Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Asmatullah Junejo were not available for comments despite repeated attempts.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2014