LAHORE: Security forces and suspected militants engage in a fierce battle in Arayian village on Raiwind road in Lahore, Express News reported on Thursday.
Security forces – which arrived in the area to conduct a search operation on a tip-off – were fired at from inside a house.
11:53am
Two suspected militants – hiding inside the house – have been killed in the final attack. The militants were between the ages of 24 and 30 years.
The operation has now ended, however, a search in still underway.
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11:47am
Security officers have entered the house and taken position on the rooftop.
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11:37am
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being constantly updated about the progress of the operation.
Express News reports that security officials have thrown hand grenades inside the house.
Around 40 to 50 security officials are actively engaged in the final attack, trying to get inside the house.
An Express News screengrab of security officials taking position outside the house.
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11:23am
Security forces start the final attack and throw tear gas shells inside the house as they prepare to enter the building.
The suspected militants retaliate by firing at security forces.
An Express News screengrab of smoke coming out of the house after security forces threw tear gas shells inside it.
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11:10am
Suspected militants continue to fire at security officials from inside the house.
The two-storey house is located in the Firdous Colony of Arayian village on Raiwind road.
SP Saddar Malik Awais tells Express News that situation is still unclear and he can’t give exact details.
“We have not entered the house and cannot say how many suspected militants are inside the house,” he says.
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10:55am
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif pays tribute to the dead and injured security officials and orders best medical assistance for them.
“The official sacrificed his life for Pakistan and the nation is proud of him,” he says.
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10:36am
Police say the suspected militants might have suicide jackets in their possession.
Six security officials have been injured in the clash so far. One of the injured is a Rangers official.
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10:30am
Security forces are reportedly using delaying tactics to exhaust the suspected militants.
Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) say the operation is 85% complete and has entered its final stage.
An Express News screengrab of security officials getting ready for final assault.
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10:22am
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s residence in Raiwind is just a few kilometers away from this area.
Sources tell Express News that the house is owned by a man named Dr Manzoor. Intelligence agency officers have reportedly arrested the owner for interrogation. Dr Manzoor is said to be a farmer and lives in a nearby village.
Police express fear that there could be explosive material inside the house.
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10:15am
More security personnel have been called in for back up.
Residents tells Express News that three men, a woman and a few children resided in the house. They had reportedly moved in six months ago.
The suspected militants are feared dead, however, security forces have not confirmed their deaths as yet.
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10:08am
The operation which started at 2am still continues after eight hours of on-and-off exchange of fire between security forces and militants.
Firing starts again after a lull of three hours.
An Express News screengrab of police officials present in the area.
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10:01am
Federal Minister Khanzada says security forces are not intensifying the operation as they want to arrest the suspected militants alive.
An Express News screengrab of Shuja Khanzada.
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9:57am
Security officers are using megaphones to communicate with the suspected militants.
Police have also urged residents of the area to remain inside their houses.
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9:53am
Minister for Anti-Terrorism Colonel Shuja Khanzada says women and children are also present inside the house.
The militants have fired three rockets at the security forces.
Security personnel have cordoned off the entire area and also laid siege to the house.
An Express News screengrab of the house where suspected militants are hiding.
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9:44am
The exchange of fire between security forces and suspected militants has stopped, however, the house has not been cleared as yet.
High officials of two intelligence agencies are leading the operation.
The total number of injured personnel has reached five.
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7:00am
An Elite Force official was killed and another was injured when security forces and militants traded fire during the search operation in Lahore.
While talking to The Express Tribune, an official associated with the operation revealed that the exchange of fire began when security forces along started a search operation in Arayian village on a tip-off.
The suspected militants – allegedly equipped with heavy weaponry including grenades, rocket launchers and explosive devices – opened fire on security forces from inside a house.
At least two blasts were reportedly heard during the four-hour long operation in the area.
Security officials said they had sought reinforcements to aid in their operation. The DIG operation has also set Lahore’s security on high alert.
SP Rao Anwar added that, “the operation is being conducted jointly” by security forces.
He urged the villagers to cooperate.
