Key TTP member arrested in Quetta operation

Hadi’s arrest sheds light on cross-border collaboration of banned organizations

QUETTA:

The Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday successfully arrested a key accused involved in attacks on police in Quetta.

A CTD spokesman said a significant breakthrough had been achieved as Abdul Hadi alias Amrullah, a key member of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had been apprehended in a successful operation. The arrested individual, who hails from the Zabul province of Afghanistan, had been reportedly orchestrating the activities of the banned outfit in Quetta.

According to the CTD spokesperson, Abdul Hadi was operating alongside six associates in Quetta, all of whom were Afghan citizens. The accused is believed to be connected to a recent attack on a police van that occurred last month. The incident, which had transpired on December 26, had targeted a police mobile on patrol in the Nawan Kalan area of Quetta near Pashtunistan Chowk.

Read Pak-Afghan relations — DI Khan attack and TTP

The attack had involved the use of a hand grenade, resulting in injuries to a police assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and three innocent bystanders. The injured individuals had been promptly attended to and are currently receiving medical care.

Abdul Hadi’s arrest sheds light on the cross-border collaboration of banned organizations, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and joint efforts to maintain security in the region. Authorities are now actively investigating the network’s activities and connections to ensure the safety of the public.

Similarly, the Immigration and Commercial Banking Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has thwarted a brazen attempt to smuggle a substantial sum of foreign currency at the Quetta International Airport. The FIA has escalated its efforts to dismantle criminal networks engaged in illicit currency trafficking at the airport.

The apprehended individual, identified as Abdullah Gul, was destined for Sharjah.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2024.