Police officials said three more armed bandits were killed in an ongoing joint operation by police and Rangers against dacoits in the katcha areas along the Sindh–Punjab border in Ubauro.
Heavy exchanges of fire continued as the operation entered its fourth day. According to police, security forces faced stiff resistance while advancing into the area, leading to intense gun battles in which heavy weapons were used by both sides.
During the latest phase of the operation, three more “notorious bandits” were killed, bringing the total death toll to nine since the operation began. Several bandits were also wounded, while dozens of their hideouts were destroyed, police officials said.
Search and targeted operations are continuing in multiple katcha locations as security forces press forward to fully clear the area, they added.
Authorities said the operation would continue until its objectives are achieved and law and order is fully restored in the region. Police confirmed that drones were also used during the operation, including to strike a boat used by the bandits, disrupting their movement and supply lines in the riverine belt. Security forces remain on high alert as operations continue across the katcha areas of Ubauro.
The ongoing crackdown follows an abduction incident on the night of December 15 in Ghotki district, when bandits attacked a passenger bus travelling from Sadiqabad to Quetta. The attackers abducted 19 passengers, and a subsequent exchange of fire between police and the bandits left the driver and several passengers injured.
During the earlier rescue operation, police used armoured vehicles, modern surveillance technology and drone strikes to target the bandits’ positions. All abducted passengers were later recovered safely.
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