Poonch, Nov 2: After the killing of at least 9 soldiers in Bhata Dhurian forest belt of Poonch some three weeks ago, joint forces today claimed that it arrested a villager who is allegedly a militant operator.

Combined Forces have already arrested at least six persons in connection with Poonch Operation that has entered into 23rd day. Police sources said that cordon has been lifted but the combing operation is still underway and efforts are on to track down the militants.

Police sources said that after the investigation, it surfaced that recently killed under trial militant Zia Mustafa was in touch with a militant operator from Bhata Dhurian village and he has been subsequently arrested. They identified the alleged militant operator as Muhammad Yasir.

Sources said that Yasir is being questioned and there are chances that joint forces may get some leads in connection with the Poonch Operation. (KNT)