Security forces recover three hand grenades along with improvised explosive devices, fuses and explosives from suicide bomber
A policeman stands guard on a street with damaged shops in the background in Bannu Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Photo: AFP
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Anti-Terrorism Department, in collaboration with the Elite Force and Bajaur Police, arrested an Afghan suicide bomber and his local aide in a joint operation in Bajaur.
According to the CTD, SWAT teams, elite force personnel and local police were already deployed on a search-and-strike mission when intelligence reports suggested the presence of two suspicious individuals in a nearby dry creek. Following information, the teams carried out a targeted operation and apprehended the suspects.
Police said the two suspects attempted to flee after seeing security personnel, but were arrested following a coordinated pursuit. Initial investigations revealed that the detainees were planning a major terrorist attack.
The suicide bomber was identified as Qais, son of Shah Khan, resident of Wucha Wana and originally from Olsoli Charbolak, in the Afghan province of Balkh. His facilitator was identified as Rafiullah, son of Noor Muhammad, a resident of Bajaur.
Security personnel recovered three hand grenades from the suspects, along with an improvised explosive device (IED), a fuse and explosive material. The IED, officials said, had been packed in a blue bag and carried by the bomber.
