The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Hyderabad foiled a major act of sabotage near Kotri and arrested three members of the banned Sindh Regimental Army (SRA) in a joint intelligence-based operation with law enforcement agencies, officials said on Friday.
A CTD spokesperson identified the arrested militants as Sher Ali Rind, Mashooq Rind, and Hanif Bhatt, all linked to the proscribed SRA. The official said the suspects were apprehended near the Bhulari railway track where they had been planning large-scale sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.
CTD In-charge Asif Hayat said the timely operation, conducted on a tip-off, led to the recovery of explosives and sophisticated weaponry, including prohibited-bore arms, an 8mm gun, hand grenades, remote-controlled devices, and a large quantity of ammunition. “The arrests not only prevented a terrorist strike on the railway track but also thwarted a wider conspiracy to destabilise the region,” he added.
Investigations have further revealed that the suspects were wanted in multiple cases of firing on trailers travelling from Sujawal to Punjab, incidents that had caused concern among transporters and security agencies. Their arrest, officials said, marks a major breakthrough against the SRA’s network in Sindh.
The CTD confirmed that further interrogation is underway, and more important disclosures are expected. Officials termed the operation a significant success in averting a major terrorist plot and restoring a sense of security in the area.
