UPPER DIR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The Upper Dir police operation continued Thursday after militants attacked two checkposts, prompting residents to mobilise in support of security personnel, state media reported.
The attacks occurred in the Dubando and Nahag Dara areas on Wednesday evening. Police and armed men exchanged fire overnight, but authorities had not confirmed any deaths or injuries by the latest reports.
Upper Dir Police and Dir Scouts conducted a joint operation in Dubando and neighbouring areas within the jurisdiction of Dir City police station.
Personnel from the Elite Force, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) joined the operation. Police used thermal equipment, drones and armoured vehicles to monitor the mountainous terrain.
District Police Officer Aslam Nawaz supervised the deployment and said action would continue against militants, their alleged facilitators and other armed elements until the area was cleared.
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Residents of Nahag Dara, Lar Jam and Ashirai Dara moved toward defensive positions after mosque announcements, according to an Associated Press of Pakistan report. They said they would assist police and oppose attempts to disrupt local peace.
Some residents also temporarily blocked the Dir-Chitral Road while demanding information about people allegedly detained by militants. Authorities had not publicly verified the reported hostage-taking.
