The security forces, who were carrying out a joint operation in the riverine area of Rajanpur, got a final nod yesterday for air strikes to hit the gangsters.
The Rajanpur Police requested Punjab IG Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera to provide them two military helicopters for the strikes.
The forces also offered the gangsters, who were hiding in a 10 km-long piece of tract surrounded by water, to surrender before the air strikes.
The official said the police, Rangers, Elite Force commandos and Counter-Terrorism Department personnel were taking part in the operation, which was codenamed Zarb-i-Ahan, reports Dawn.
Punjab Police chief Mushtaq Sukhera visited the frontline checkposts yesterday to review the operational strategy.
The Punjab IG said the fight against the 'evil elements' of society had entered a final phase and added that the security forces would soon eliminate them.
