On a tip-off: CTD nabs four suspected terrorists

Links them to several bombings, targeted attack

KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Sindh police arrested four suspected terrorists with links to various banned outfits during a raid on Sunday.

The four suspects - Shahid alias Zubair, Ali Gul Rehman, Manzur Ahmed Achakzai and Usman Ghani alias Baba - were arrested during a targeted raid conducted on a tip-off near Chamra Chowrangi in Korangi. Weapons, including a hand grenade, Kalashnikov and three pistols, were allegedly seized from their possession.

CTD incharge SSP Usman Bajwa told the media at a press conference at his office that the suspects were affiliated with banned terror outfits Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. "These men have been involved in various acts of terrorism in Karachi," Bajwa claimed.

The suspects have allegedly revealed their involvement in several bombings, including the 2011 blast at Nigar cinema, wine shops' blasts in Lea Market and Nayabad, Lyari, and bomb blast at a rummy club at Ghas Mandi in the old city area. Moreover, in 2012, the nabbed suspects reportedly carried out a targeted attack on a generator mechanic belonging to a minority sect at Nagan Chowrangi.

Cases had already been registered while further investigation is now under way, it was revealed.

Rangers arrest 20 'militants'

The Sindh Rangers also claimed to have apprehended 20 suspects from the metropolis. Rangers' spokesperson said the suspects were arrested during ongoing targeted raids during the last few days in several parts of city, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Surjani, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Sohrab Goth, Orangi Town, Shershah, Quaidabad, Lyari and Federal B Area.

The suspects included terrorists associated with banned outfits and other militants, while weapons were also seized from their possession, the spokesperson explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st,  2015.