Suicide bomber blows himself up during FC raid on TTP camp in Balochistan

Another militant was killed in exchange of fire with FC officials. Cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives recovered

QUETTA: A suicide bomber blew himself up as the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan raided a Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) camp in Zhob on Saturday.

Following on a tip-off, security forces had on Saturday launched a search operation near the Subakzai Dam in Killi Gwal area of Zhob, Balochistan.

FC Balochistan spokesperson said in a statement that militants had dumped a large cache of arms and ammunition in a camp for subversive activities in different parts of Balochistan.

Officials surrounded the camp and engaged militants present within.

“There was an exchange of fire between TTP and security forces. A suicide bomber blew himself up destroying two explosive laden vehicles and a motorbike,” the spokesperson said adding that the other militant was killed.

A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered in the subsequent search of the camp.

“Around 400 kilograms explosive materials, 50 suicide jackets, 60 to 70 prepared Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), three rocket launchers, 20 pistols, 10 Small Machine Guns (SMGs) and 3,000 rounds of different weapons were seized from the camp during the raid.”

According to the FC spokesperson, two vehicles and a motorcycle were also recovered.

The dead body of one militant was handed over to Levies Force in Zhob.

Inspector General (IG) FC Major General Ejaz Shahid said their action had averted a major tragedy.

“TTP militants were using foreign funding for targeting innocent school children and had put the sovereignty of the country at stake,” the IG said in his statement.

“Such cruel elements would not be allowed to operate in any place of the province and forces will use its complete strength to eliminate such elements.”