Security stepped up after terror threat

Authorities fear TTP-led terror strikes in twin cities

RAWALPINDI:

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have lately been alerted to the potential threat of terrorism and sabotage. Terrorist groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their associates, pose a serious threat to the twin cities.

The police and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure that security measures are impenetrable in light of intelligence reports, indicating that around 17 terrorists from four different groups have been assigned tasks.

Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Syed Khurram Ali has sent a letter to the district police chiefs across the division, including City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani, titled, “Special and specific information report regarding Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.”

Quoting ‘responsible’ sources, the letter states that the TTP’s senior leadership had met in Kabul and planned terrorist activities inside Pakistan in January. Their target locations might include the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

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Approximately 15 suicide bombers are available for use in terrorism and suicide attacks. The TTP has also received funding from Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA). A group of 10 to 12 militants led by TTP Commander Salman alias Siddique is hiding in the K-P region of Zangli Badbhir. They are equipped with hand grenades, rocket launchers, and night vision goggles. Another group of terrorists is reportedly present in the Hassan Khel region of Peshawar. The suspects could conduct terrorist attacks in Attock district.

The letter further mentions that the Dawood Batani group, which is active in DI Khan, intends to attack law enforcement agencies, their officers and personnel in the border districts of Punjab. Their fighters have been assigned a task under the command of two commanders, Ahmed Baloch and Mashal.

Another official correspondence reveals that Baloch sub-nationalists are planning to target their community and the police and law enforcement agencies in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Five fighters, who were trained in Afghanistan, have been assigned targets in this regard.

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A propaganda campaign against the state and its institutions has been launched with the help of foreign intelligence agencies, particularly India’s RAW, to disrupt peace in the country.

Following the threat alerts, the Rawalpindi RPO has issued orders for foolproof security to prevent untoward incidents. Security has been tightened throughout the Rawalpindi division in light of the threat alerts.

According to a senior police official, the security of all sensitive places has been increased and all entries and exits of the garrison city and district are being actively monitored.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2024.