Independence day terror bid foiled in Karachi

RAWALPINDI: Security forces have busted a 'foreign-sponsored gang' and foiled a terror bid planned to sabotage August 14 celebrations in Karachi, the ISPR said Wednesday.

According to the military’s public relations wing, some high-value targets including the Naib Amir (deputy chief) in Karachi of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat, Bakht Zaman, have been apprehended in the intelligence-based operation.

The gang of terrorists had been planning the attack for some time and had prepared an explosive-laden vehicle and a motor cycle which they were to blow up on Youme Azadi (Independence Day) celebrations on Aug 14.

"During interrogation, the apprehended terrorists confessed that vehicles were arranged from Karachi and now they were waiting for suicide bombers who had to arrive from Afghanistan and Amir of TT Swat chapter in Karachi had gone to Afghanistan for the same purpose," said the ISPR statement.

Security agencies continued surveillance of the gang for weeks before the operation was launched simultaneously on August 9 in Karachi and Hyderabad to arrest the terrorists.

An explosives-laden vehicle and a motorcycle was were also recovered, said the ISPR, adding that some more startling revelations are expected during interrogation of the terrorists.