Islamabad:In a late-night joint intelligence operation, the local police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the federal capital successfully thwarted a major terror plot, recovering a significant cache of suicide vests, arms, and ammunition. Despite the recovery, the terrorists managed to escape under the cover of darkness after exchanging fire with the police, authorities reported.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sadar Zone, Hakam Khan, stated that senior officials had devised a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety of the capital ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram and the anticipated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally on July 6. The plan emphasised thorough combing and searching of suspicious and sensitive areas. The search operation conducted in the Tarnol and Sangjani areas on Tuesday night was a part of this planning, which ultimately prevented a potential disaster, according to SP Khan.
Inspector Shabbir Tanoli, who led the search and combing team, explained that the operation aimed to secure suspicious and sensitive areas before the start of Muharram. During the operation in the Tarnol and Sangjani police jurisdictions, the team advanced through bushes and trees toward Dhoke Pracha Madrassa Road. They noticed a light in the bushes, and as they approached, hidden terrorists opened fire on the police team before fleeing towards Sangjani and disappearing into the night. The police recovered hand grenades, detonators, safety fuse wires, ball bearings, suicide vests, Kalashnikovs, and five submachine guns (SMGs) from the scene. Teams have been formed to search the suspects.
Following the incident, police officials arrived at the scene with reinforcements, cordoning off the area and initiating a search for the terrorists. The recovered terrorism-related items have been taken into custody by the CTD. The CTD has registered cases against unknown terrorists under severe state laws for attempting to harm national security. Teams have been formed, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the culprits. The bomb disposal squad was called in to defuse the explosive materials.
In a related incident late last night, three motorcyclists fired at police officers in the Shahzad Town police jurisdiction. In return fire, two suspects were injured, arrested, and taken to the hospital, while one suspect managed to escape. The search for the third suspect continues.