Security forces recover three hand grenades along with homemade improvised explosive devices, fuse and explosive material from the suicide bomber.
A police officer stands guard on a street with damaged shops in the background in Bannu Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Photo: AFP
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Anti-Terrorism Department in collaboration with Elite Force and Bajaur Police arrested an Afghan suicide bomber and his local handler during a joint operation in Bajaur.
According to CTD, SWAT teams, Elite Force personnel and local police were already deployed for a search and attack mission when intelligence reports suggested the presence of two suspicious individuals in a nearby dry creek. After receiving the tip-off, the teams carried out a targeted raid and arrested the suspects.
Police said both suspects attempted to flee after seeing security personnel, but were arrested after a coordinated chase. Initial investigations revealed that the detainees were planning a major terrorist attack.
The suicide bomber was identified as Qais, son of Shah Khan, a resident of Wucha Wana and originally from Olsoli Charbolak in Afghanistan’s Balkh province. Their facilitator was identified as Rafiullah, son of Noor Muhammad, a resident of Bajaur.
Security personnel recovered three hand grenades from the suspects, along with a homemade improvised explosive device (IED), fuse and explosive material. The improvised explosive device, authorities said, was wrapped in a blue bag and carried by the suicide bomber.
