Sources said heavy exchanges of fire are continuing in the operation, which has entered its fourth day.

According to police, security forces faced stiff resistance as they advanced into the area, prompting 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 number of fatalities to nine since the operation began.

Police said several bandits were also wounded, while dozens of their hideouts have been destroyed.

Search and targeted operations are ongoing in multiple katcha locations as security forces continued to push forward to fully clear the area, they added.

Authorities said the operation will continue until its objectives are achieved and law and order is fully restored in the region.

The ongoing crackdown follows the 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 from the bus, 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 safely recovered.

In the current operation, police confirmed that drones were also used to strike a boat used by the bandits, weakening their movement and supply lines in the riverine belt.

Officials said security forces remain on high alert as operations continue across the katcha areas of Ubauro.