Pakistan

Plots thwarted: Five terror ‘facilitators’ detained

Suspects were involved in a suicide bombing at Mardan district courts

October 02, 2016

The official also said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed that they had planned attacks on a National Bank branch and Fazl-e-Haq College in Mardan, which had been closed down last month because of serious threats. PHOTO: REUTERS

PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD: Five people who were involved in facilitating terrorists have been apprehended, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister House on Saturday.

The statement said the suspects were involved in a suicide bombing at Mardan district courts on Sept 2, which led to the deaths of 14 people.

During initial interrogation, four more plots had been uncovered and subsequently thwarted, saving hundreds of lives.

“The PM would like to thank (members of) the premier intelligence agency for their hard work and congratulate them on their success in thwarting … terrorism and bringing us a step closer to a safe and secure Pakistan.”

According to a senior police official, the alleged facilitators were not originally from Mardan, instead they belonged to Mohmand and Bajaur tribal agencies.

More operations, he said, were under way to nab militants.

The official also said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed that they had planned attacks on a National Bank branch and Fazl-e-Haq College in Mardan, which had been closed down last month because of serious threats.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2016.