Crackdown: Police arrest 18 suspects in DI Khan

Large cache of weapons, explosives found in Hangu

DI KHAN/HANGU: At least 18 suspects were arrested during a search operation in DI Khan while a large cache of weapons was found in Hangu on Friday.

According to a statement issued by DI Khan DPO Rab Nawaz Khan, the crackdown was conducted in Gura Guldad, Kulachi tehsil.

“Police received information about the presence of militants in the locality,” read the statement. “As a result, counter-terrorism department officials and elite force personnel carried out a search operation.”

As per the document, 18 suspects were arrested. “Seven Kalashnikovs, four rifles, two pistols and 300 bullets were confiscated from their possession,” it added.

The suspects have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation.



Speaking to the media, Rab Nawaz said the operations against terrorists will continue. “All those who have facilitated militants will also be punished,” he said. “This will put an end to militancy.”

A day earlier, a hunter was killed while another was wounded in a firing incident in Kulachi.

Insiders familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune five hunters – Saifur-Rehman, Pir Ashfaq, Niaz Ali Shah, Irfan Shah and Jahan Zeb – were attacked in Bachabad locality. Pir Ashfaq was killed while Saifur Rehman was injured.

Hangu

Security forces found a large cache of explosives and weapons during a search operation at Dar Samand area of Doaba, Hangu on Friday.

An official of Hangu police told The Express Tribune no arrests have been made so far but a case has been registered and further investigation is under way.

“We have reason to believe the weapons and explosives were meant to be used to orchestrate an attack during the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA),” he said. “However, due to tight security arrangements, the terrorists were unable to go ahead with their plans and dumped their weapons in the locality.”

According to the police official, time bombs, mortar shells, hand grenades, rocket launchers and cartridges were found.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th,  2015.