ISLAMABAD: The Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday foiled a major terrorist plot during an intelligence-based operation, with 2,000 kilograms of explosives recovered, according to a press statement.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, CTD Additional Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Ali Larik and CTD Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said that a “premier intelligence agency,” along with law enforcement agencies, received information that terrorists were planning an attack targeting the city.

“During the operation, a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosive material was recovered from their possession,” the CTD statement added.

The recovered items included one hand grenade, 30 live cartridges, five detonators, 2,000 kg of explosives, primer cord, and other prohibited items.

Mahesar said the terrorists were planning to attack specific targets in Karachi to destabilize national security. He added that intelligence agencies, the Special Branch, the Intelligence Bureau, and the CTDs of Sindh and Balochistan devised a strategy to thwart the plot.

He said intelligence officials were deployed at multiple locations, with a particular focus on Karachi’s western region.

Mahesar said that after several days of sustained efforts, officials obtained information about a terrorist hideout in Raees Goth, Karachi, where a large quantity of explosive material had been prepared.

Following the intelligence tip-off, Sindh CTD and a premier intelligence agency conducted a joint raid. He said raids were carried out at six locations based on information provided by an arrested terrorist, leading to the arrest of two more suspects who were also in possession of explosive material.

During initial interrogation, he said, the arrested suspects revealed they were associated with the Bashir Zeb network of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade.

“We captured one terrorist, while three or four others managed to escape the scene,” he said.

He added that officials recovered a truck loaded with explosive material, which had been transported to the metropolis and was “ready to go.”

Praising the coordinated efforts, Mahesar said it was a major achievement by all agencies involved, as it prevented a large-scale attack in Karachi.

He said the seized explosive material was a mix of commercial explosives and material smuggled through Balochistan’s mountainous regions.

The CTD official said further details would be shared at a later stage.

“After the completion of further investigation,” the CTD statement added, “the suspects will be produced before a court.”

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2,000 kg explosives seized, major terrorist plot in Karachi foiled: Counterterrorism officials