Security risk: Search operation begins as ‘militants enter the city’

Law-enforcement agencies have started a search operation in the wake of intelligence report findings.

KARACHI: In the wake of intelligence reports suggesting the presence of militants in the city, law-enforcement agencies have started a search operation in Karachi.

Also, masterminds and perpetrators of the Ashura blast on December 20 last year - Shakeeb Farooqui, Wazir and Murtaza - are on the loose which is why security concerns were heightened.

On receiving intelligence reports about alleged militants arriving in the city, agencies and Sindh police investigative teams have started search operations and are raiding different areas including Baldia Town, Mauripur, Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, New Karachi, North Karachi, Banaras, Pirabad, Nazimabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Pehlwan Goth, Bhittaiabad, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Landhi, Quaidabad, Shah Latif Town, Surjani Town, Sohrab Goth and settlements near the Super Highway.

Several suspects have been arrested and moved to an undisclosed location for interrogation. Shakeeb, Murtaza, Wazir and Shah Murad were arrested from Mauripur by the Special Investigations Police for their alleged involvement in the Ashura bomb blast in which over 40 people were killed.

On June 19, the accused had escaped from the city court with the help from their accomplices. During the escape, Shah Murad died in a hand-grenade explosion.

Officials say that Shakeeb is an expert at making bombs. He and his accomplices have received training in Waziristan. There are reports of six other militants entering Karachi from Waziristan with plans to carry suicide attacks, officials revealed.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2010.