According to security sources, the bombs hidden in drums weighed more than 300 kg and could cause massive destruction.
Security forces on Sunday defused eight explosive devices placed under a major bridge on the Quetta-Karachi national highway in Surab district. Photo: Express
QUETA:
Security forces defused eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) discovered under a bridge on the Quetta-Karachi national highway in Balochistan’s Surab district on Sunday, officials said, preventing a possible large-scale attack.
The explosives, hidden inside drums and with a total weight of more than 300 kilograms, were recovered during an intelligence operation, according to security sources.
“The explosives were hidden under the bridge in a highly concealed manner, indicating significant destructive capability,” a senior security official said. The express PAkGazette on condition of anonymity.
The devices were reportedly equipped with remote control and other advanced detonation systems, posing a serious threat to traffic and civilians on the key highway linking Quetta to Karachi.
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Bomb disposal teams moved the explosives to a safe location and successfully neutralized them, authorities said. No casualties or injuries were reported during the operation.
Authorities have increased security along the highway, while investigations are underway to identify those responsible and dismantle the network behind the attempted attack.
The Quetta-Karachi highway is a vital transportation route in Balochistan and has previously been the target of security-related incidents. Traffic on the highway has since resumed as normal, officials added.
Balochistan has been facing insurgency for years, and terrorists from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army terror group recently launched a terror attack in several places, leaving dozens of citizens dead. In a counter operation by security forces, 216 terrorists were killed, while 22 security personnel embraced martyrdom.
