CTD, Intelligence Agency Arrest 3 BLA and TTP Terror Suspects in Karachi

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Karachi, in a joint operation with a federal intelligence agency, has arrested three suspected militants in separate raids across the city. According to the CTD, two suspects allegedly affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and one linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were taken into custody.

An improvised explosive device (IED), a hand grenade, a 30-bore pistol, a loaded magazine and five bullets were recovered from the suspects, the CTD said.

According to a press release issued by the CTD, the first operation was conducted near Main University Road in Block 7, Gulistan-e-Johar, following a tip-off. Two suspected BLA militants, identified as Rahim Fazal, son of Fazal Mahmood, and Baloch Baloch, son of Rasool Bakhsh, were arrested.

According to officials, preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were in continuous contact with their organisational commander and were allegedly planning to target sensitive locations and offices of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The CTD said initial intelligence indicated that the suspects had allegedly been involved in targeted killings, kidnappings and attacks on security forces in Balochistan. They had also reportedly received firearms training in Afghanistan. Further investigations into these allegations are underway.

Suspected TTP Militant Arrested Near Gulbai Chowk

In a separate operation, the CTD Karachi and the federal intelligence agency arrested a suspected militant affiliated with the banned TTP from beneath the bridge at Gulbai Chowk.

The suspect was identified as Shah Noor Rehman Khan, son of Akhtar Alam.