'Terrorists killed in Swat were trained in Afghanistan'

Terrorists, who were killed in a clash with security forces in Swat's Angro Dherai area last night, were in contact with militants in Afghanistan, investigating agencies revealed on Sunday.

They said that terrorist Anis received special training for bomb manufacturing in Afghanistan's Kunar province whereas terrorist Ali Syed also went to the neighbouring country in 2018. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has the records of both terrorists travelling to Afghanistan.

Anis also got trained at a camp in Mansehra in 2019. He remained in contact with TTP Swat commander Murad after returning from Afghanistan and planned for terrorist activity in Swat.

Anis threatened a petrol pump owner for extortion in Fiza Ghat area and also attacked it along with other accomplices. Murad had tasked Anis to transport explosive material and weapons from Mardan to Buner five days ago.

Read more: Two ‘terrorists’ killed in Swat shootout

Anis was also tasked to target pro-government militias, members of jirga, extortion and blowing up mobile phone towers in Swat. The last message he got from his handlers was about jihad and martyrdom in the Pashto language.

Anis's brother, in a video message, said that his father Ali Syed opened fire on the security forces first, after which there was an exchange of fire and his brother and Ali Syed were killed during the shootout.