Violence round-up: Two suspected militants killed

Police believe they were planning a terrorist activity on Defence Day

KARACHI: Law enforcers claim to have foiled a possible terrorist bid on Defence Day by killing two suspected militants.

According to the police, two suspected militants belonging to a banned outfit were killed after an exchange of fire with the police. Police said they were planning a terrorist activity on Defence Day in the city. According to officials, the militants first attacked the police patrolling van when it reached close to their hideout located in the militants' stronghold, Manghopir. As a result of the attack, two policemen, identified as Imran and Haider, were injured. They were immediately taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment.



Following the attack, a large contingent of law enforcers was summoned to the site and two militants were killed after an exchange of fire. The bodies were shifted to the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth for identification after medico-legal formalities were completed at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. One of the suspects was identified as Adrak.

District West SSP Azfar Mahesar said that the deceased militant had been involved in numerous cases of target killings and attacks on law enforcers. Police officials also claim to have seized bombs, arms and motorcycles from their possession. Sindh IG Ghulam Hyder Jamali also announced Rs500,000 for the police officials and personnel who participated in the encounter.

Separately, the Pirabad police claim to have arrested a Sindh chapter chief of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan — Swat along with two of his companions during a targeted raid in Orangi Town. The Sindh chapter chief was identified as Hafiz Idrees. A huge cache of weapons and explosives was also seized from the suspects' possession. Police officials claimed that the arrested suspects were involved in various high profile cases of terrorism, including the targeted killing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement's legislator, Sajid Qureshi. In addition, they were also involved in various cases of target killings of policemen.

Meanwhile, the paramilitary force claims to have arrested five suspected criminals during ongoing targeted raids conducted in different parts of the city including al-Asif Square and Golimar. The Rangers spokesperson said that weapons were also seized from the suspects and they were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th,  2015.