LAHORE: A rare targeted operation was launched against militants in Lahore's Raiwind area, with security forces and militants locked in a gun and grenade battle that began in the early hours of Thursday.

Pakistani police commandos take cover during a raid on a militant hideout. — Photo by AFP

Officials told DawnNews that one militant besieged in a safe house had been killed by security forces, with one member of the elite force also losing his life. Punjab Minister for Anti-Terrorism Col. (retd) Shuja Khanzada had earlier confirmed the death of seven militants, and said that three others were injured, however, the CCPO later told Dawn that one militant had been killed, with one injured. The raid was jointly conducted by Punjab police, elite force as well as army personnel, who chanted celebratory slogans at the end of the operation.

The bomb disposal squad (BDS) was called in at the Raiwand Road site after security personnel found three live grenades at the premises of the militant compound.

The BDS personnel defused four RPG 7 rockets after reaching the spot.

10-hour operation

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Investigation Nawaz Marwat, the raid began at 2am on Thursday, as security forces received a tip-off regarding the presence of militants in Araiyan Pind near Raiwind Road, a mere two kilometer distance from Raiwind Palace. After an intense firefight where militants used heavy arms and ammunition against security forces, the militant compound was penetrated by the police around noon.

Pakistani police commandos carry the body of a suspected militant following a raid on a militant hideout. — Photo by AFP

During the operation, at least eight explosions were heard while recurrent bouts of firing continued between militants and security forces were also reported.

Commandos entered the main gate of the compound where the militants were holed up. Fire also erupted in the compound when a rocket launcher was used to hit the upper story of the building.

An elite force man entered the compound through the rooftop. It is suspected that a high profile militant was hiding in the compound.

Earlier, DawnNews reported that children were heard crying from inside the compound.

Police conducted search operations in houses nearby to ensure that no hostages had been taken.

Battling terrorism is number one priority: Khanzada

Addressing a press conference at the end of the raid, Colonel Shuja Khanzada said those announcing a long march should know that rooting out terrorism is the main focus.

"There will be terrorism in every city, town and village," he said, referring to the blowback from the North Waziristan operation. "Terrorists are targeting everyone. Long marches need to come to an end as wiping out terrorism is the number one priority."

Khanzada said that Kalashnikovs, one dozen magazines, suicide jackets and hand grenades were recovered from the compound.

"They [militants] appeared to be locals," he said. "They are bearded and appeared fatigued. One is injured, if he recovers we will interrogate him and gain information."

He said that the operation was drawn-out because the police received reports that two women and children were also present in the compound, and that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had strictly ordered that they should not be harmed in the raid.

'Reaction to N Waziristan'

Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashhood speaking to DawnNews said the clash appeared to be a reaction of the military operation in North Waziristan.

Earlier, he said that security forces will make their best efforts to catch the militants alive.

Mashood said the premier could have been a possible target of the militants as Raiwind Palace was not far off from the scene of the clash.

He also said that the premier and top leadership of the government were receiving threats due to the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan.

Mashood said measures were taken to ensure the safety of civilians in the area.

Police took into custody the landlord of the compound who had rented the place to the militants.

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The injured law enforcers were shifted to Jinnah Hospital for treatment. A fresh contingent of elite force personnel was called in to manage the situation as the area has still not been declared clear.

Punjab Chief MInister Shahbaz Sharif paid tribute to the police personnel who had lost their lives and instructed for the provision of the best medical facilities to the policemen injured.