13 terrorists from TTP arrested in Pakistan
A major terror attack have been foiled by police in Pakistan’s Punjab province and 13 terrorists, mostly belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been arrested, a spokesperson for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said on Saturday.
“The CTD conducted 58 intelligence-based operations in different cities of the province during the last week and arrested 13 terrorists along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials,” the spokesperson said.
“The terrorists wanted to target the offices of law enforcement agencies in Punjab; thus, thwarting a major terror attack,” the spokesperson said and added that “dangerous terrorist” Mukhtar Ahmad of TTP was arrested from Lahore with a large quantity of explosives.
Explosive material 2,010 grams, eight detonators, four IED bombs and banned literature were recovered from their possession.
Thirteen cases have been registered against the arrested terrorists in the CTD police stations, and further investigation is being carried out against them, he said.
According to the police, several militant hideouts were reportedly targeted during the operation.
Security officials said the militants were allegedly planning subversive activities in the area. Following the gunfight, police and CTD teams launched search operations in the area to trace the remaining militants.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in northwest Pakistan has faced recurring unrest over the years, driven by militant violence, cross-border movement of fighters from Afghanistan and repeated military operations. Its mountainous terrain and porous frontier add to the challenges for security forces.
