An IL-76 heavy lift transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force has airlifted 124 additional commandos of the elite National Security Guards from Delhi [Images] to Mumbai on Friday to join the anti-terrorist operations there.

"At 0943 Hours, an IL-76 of the IAF air-lifted 124 of the troops to Mumbai. The operational commanders on ground felt that more troops would be required to complete the operation," a Defence Ministry source told PTI in New Delhi on Friday.

The IAF has pressed two of its Mi-17 IV choppers also into action to provide heli-support to the commandos. These helicopters are in addition of the two which were airlifted by an IL 76 based at the Palam technical area. The aircraft took off from Delhi at 0943 hours today and has already deployed the troops there.

Additional Mi-17s have also been sent along with a Chetak helicopter. This is in addition of the four An-32s and one Avro, which were based there.

A coast guard ship ICGS Samar has been dispatched and deployed for personnel to visit onboard the Pakistani merchant vessel MV Alpha and carry out the search operations.

"Search operations are expected to start by afternoon," a source said.