Web Desk: Police from Sindh and Punjab launched a joint operation in the riverine belt of southern Pakistan known as Katcha area, killing three bandits linked to the kidnapping of bus passengers in Ghotki district, according to officials sources of police.
Operation targets riverine hideouts
Authorities said the operation was carried out in the Katcha area, where armed groups often use difficult terrain to evade law enforcement. According to the district police officer of Rajanpur, the operation resulted in the deaths of three kidnappers and the destruction of several of their hideouts.
The suspects were believed to be involved in abducting passengers from a bus traveling to Quetta earlier this week.
Kidnapping incident sparked crackdown
The operation followed an incident late Monday night when 30 to 40 armed men intercepted a bus near the Guddu-Kashmore interchange in Ghotki district. The attackers abducted more than a dozen passengers and took them into the riverine forests.
In response, Sindh Police launched an immediate search operation, later coordinating with Punjab Police to expand the crackdown across adjoining areas.
All hostages recovered
Police said all abducted passengers were safely recovered during the operation, and no casualties among the hostages were reported.
Officials added that security forces remain on high alert and will continue operations in the region to dismantle criminal networks operating in the riverine areas, which have long posed security challenges due to their remote and rugged terrain.
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