The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh, in a joint operation with a federal civilian intelligence agency, has arrested two key terrorists of Fitna al-Khwarij, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), foiling what investigators said was a planned terror network in Karachi.
According to the CTD, the arrested terrorists have been identified as Umar Farooq and Abdullah. Both were associated with the banned TTP’s Mufti Saad group. Two hand grenades were also recovered from their possession during the operation.
The CTD said the two terrorists had arrived in Karachi from Afghanistan on the instructions of their commander and had been assigned different responsibilities for carrying out terrorist activities in the city.
Investigators said the suspects were conducting reconnaissance of important locations and personnel associated with the Rangers and police. The information collected during the reconnaissance was allegedly being passed on to their commander for planning further operations.
The recovered hand grenades were reportedly intended to be handed over to another associate on the commander’s instructions. According to the CTD, the grenades were to be used in attacks against important installations.
Cases have been registered against both arrested terrorists at the CTD Operations Karachi police station. The cases have been registered under provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The arrests come a day after another joint CTD and federal intelligence operation in Karachi in which a TTP terrorist was eliminated while two other terrorists escaped.
The September 1 operation was conducted near the football ground in Khudadad Colony following intelligence about the presence of TTP terrorists in the area. According to CTD sources, the suspects opened fire when security personnel moved in, prompting an exchange of fire. One terrorist sustained critical injuries and later died while being shifted to hospital. A 9mm pistol and ammunition were recovered from him, while two other suspects managed to escape.
The latest arrests further highlight the efforts by TTP networks to establish operational capabilities in Karachi through reconnaissance, local facilitation and the movement of operatives from Afghanistan.
The CTD said further interrogation of Umar Farooq and Abdullah was under way and could lead to additional revelations about their network, commanders and planned targets.
Special teams have also been formed to trace and arrest their accomplices and other members of the network.
Joint operations by the CTD and other law enforcement agencies are continuing, with authorities expecting further arrests and important breakthroughs in the investigation.
