LEAs ring alarms of possible terrorist attacks in city

Suspects are being monitored, surveillance has increased in port city

KARACHI:

Amid increasing incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have expressed concerns over the possibility of terrorist attacks in Karachi.

In this regard, the activities of suspects have also been seen in some areas, which are being fully monitored. Besides, monitoring of city entrances has also been increased.

During the last few days, terrorist incidents took place in different parts of the country. The CTD centre in Bannu, ​​Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was held hostage by terrorists and had to be recovered by the security agencies. Similarly, a suicide attack on a high-value target in Islamabad was foiled, but in this failed attack, a police officer was martyred and others were injured as a result of the attacker blowing himself up.

Sources said that in this context, the LEAs have expressed fears of terrorist attacks in Karachi as well.

In this regard, the activities of some suspects have also been seen in Manghopir, Sohrab Goth and Machar Colony in Docks area and in Moach Goth on Hub River Road for the past few days, but no concrete evidence has been found yet.

All these suspicious activities are being monitored as activities of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were also seen in these areas in the past.

Sources further said that since there are no solid security measures on the routes into the city, arms and ammunition continue to flow into the metropolis.

However, in recent days, monitoring has been increased on the entrances and exits of the city.

Thr LEAs have expressed fears that like in the past, banned organisations, including TTP, may again target the country's economic hub and carry out their nefarious activities, including bombings, suicide attacks and targeting sensitive installations, besides shooting incidents.

It is worth mentioning here that the security agencies have also recovered a large number of mortar shells from Moach Goth and Machar Colony recently, which is clear proof of the presence of large amounts of arms and ammunition in the city. The LEAs are further investigating these incidents, and some persons have been detained and investigation is underway.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2022.