CTD, Elite Force nab Afghan suicide bomber, handler in Bajaur

Security forces recover three hand grenades along with homemade IED, fuse and explosive material from suicide bomber

The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, working with the Elite Force and Bajaur police, arrested an Afghan suicide bomber and his local handler during a joint operation in Bajaur.

According to CTD, SWAT teams, Elite Force personnel and local police were already deployed for a search-and-strike mission when intelligence reports suggested the presence of two suspicious individuals in a nearby dry stream. Acting on the tip-off, the teams carried out a targeted raid and apprehended the suspects.

Police said both suspects tried to flee after seeing the security personnel but were arrested following a coordinated chase. Initial investigations revealed that the detainees were planning a major terrorist attack.

The suicide bomber was identified as Qais, son of Shah Khan, a resident of Wucha Wana and originally from Olsoli Charbolak in Afghanistan’s Balkh province. His facilitator was identified as Rafiullah, son of Noor Muhammad, a resident of Bajaur.

Security personnel recovered three hand grenades from the suspects, along with a homemade improvised explosive device (IED), fuse and explosive material. The IED, officials said, had been wrapped in a blue bag and carried by the suicide bomber.