BLA terror bid foiled in Karachi; 2,000kg explosives seized

KARACHI:

Security forces in Karachi foiled a major terrorism plot after recovering a suicide vehicle and massive quantities of explosive material during an operation in Raees Goth, preventing what officials believe could have been a large-scale attack.

According to sources, the raid uncovered a mini-truck converted into a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) that had been concealed inside a compound beneath piles of clothing, apparently prepared for deployment without drawing attention in the neighbourhood.

The prepared vehicle contained 60 plastic drums filled with explosives together with five explosive LPG cylinders, taking the total weight of the seized material to about 2,000 kilogrammes, according to the security sources.

The BDS defused the explosive drums and cylinders from the mini-truck and the room, taking them into custody and noting that the release switch had been installed close to the vehicle's gear and transmission system. The sources said that the explosives were to be transported into Karachi for attacks on key locations.

They said the operation targeted terrorists belonging to the outlawed BLA's Majeed Brigade, and that all seized explosive material has been secured following the discovery of the suicide vehicle and associated devices.