Kohat suicide attack mastermind killed in IBO

A suspected mastermind of the suicide attack on Kohat Police Lines was killed in a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Lakki Marwat and security forces in Lakki Marwat, according to the CTD Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The slain terrorist, identified as Zahid Gul and affiliated with the Gul Bahadur group, was wanted in connection with several serious terrorist attacks. The CTD said he had personally guided the explosive-laden vehicle used in the suicide attack on the old Kohat Police Lines.

According to the department, Zahid Gul was also present at the scene of a bank robbery at Bili Tang, where Rs6 million was looted. The stolen money was subsequently distributed among terrorist cells operating in Bakkakhel and Janikhel in Bannu, the CTD said.

The slain terrorist commander maintained close links with the Gul Bahadur group and was involved in transporting several suicide bombers to Kohat, The CTD said that two months ago, Zahid Gul had brought a suicide bomber to carry out an attack on the new Kohat Police Lines, however, the attempt was foiled.

The terrorist's next intended targets were a Pakistan Air Force installation and the Police Training School in Kohat, the CTD said. Other members of the terrorist network have already been taken into custody by security agencies, according to the department.

The federal government on October 11 imposed emergency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province, bringing an end to 13 -year rule of the PTI. The Centre alleged that PTI government had failed to take effective action against terrorists.