Nushki bomber behind suicide hit on Chinese

KARACHI:

Once the dust has settled on the explosion that killed three people near the Jinnah Terminal of Karachi Airport, authorities have finally been able to confirm that the attack was a suicide blast.

Initial information, which emerged late on Sunday night, left much room for speculation, with some reports suggesting a burning oil tanker caused the loss of life and property.

However, further investigation has confirmed that it was a suicide attack. The vehicle used in the suicide bombing has been traced to the suspected attacker, a resident of Nushki in Balochistan.

Details reveal that the explosion occurred near the airport traffic light. The suicide attack took the lives of three individuals, including two Chinese nationals, while injuring 17 others, including Rangers, police officers, private security personnel, and civilians.

The injured were taken to various hospitals in the city for medical treatment. Over 15 vehicles were heavily damaged in the attack, with three, including a police mobile, completely destroyed. Rickshaws and motorcycles were also part of the collateral damage.

On Monday morning, teams from the police, Rangers, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and other law enforcement agencies reached the scene to collect evidence. The Crime Scene Investigation Unit, forensic experts, and the Bomb Disposal Squad also returned to gather further evidence, which was sent for testing.

Officials from the Bomb Disposal Squad stated that the exact amount and type of explosive material used will be determined once forensic reports are received. An initial report that the explosives were detonated using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) near the Jinnah International Airport's departure traffic signal. The attack targeted a vehicle carrying foreign nationals. Approximately 70 to 80 kilogrammes of commercial explosives were used, causing significant damage to several vehicles.

Senior officials, including the Sindh IG, DIG East, and DIG Special Branch, visited the scene to assess the situation. During the ongoing investigation, a major breakthrough was identifying the suspected suicide attacker.

The double-cabin vehicle used in the attack bore number KW-0375 and was a 2012 model. It was registered in August 2017, and had its vehicle tax paid until December 31, 2024. The vehicle was registered under the name of the suicide attacker, Shah Fahad, a resident of Nushki, Balochistan.

Investigators retrieved Shah Fahad's National Database and Registration Authority record. Further details of his family and contacts are being collected as part of the investigation. The probe has expanded to Balochistan to trace other individuals involved in planning the attack.

Sources revealed that Shah Fahad arrived in Karachi on October 4 and stayed at a private hotel in the Saddar area. On the day of the bombing, he checked out of the hotel at noon and headed to Baloch Goth near Essa Nagri Cemetery, where he coordinated the attack. His identification documents have been obtained, and data from SIM cards he used is being collected.

The attacker traveled through Malir Model Colony towards the airport, and rammed his vehicle into that of the Chinese nationals, resulting in a massive explosion that set multiple vehicles on fire.

Law enforcement agencies have completed the crime scene sweep, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed to determine the attacker's route.

The police have stated that the destroyed vehicles will soon be moved to the Airport police station, and an official case has been registered with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Meanwhile, the Additional IG Special Branch has removed DSP ASU and China Desk in-charge Fawad Shaheen from his position and directed him to report to Special Branch Headquarters. It was the responsibility of the ASU and China Desk to monitor the movement of Chinese nationals.