- Eight terrorists of banned outfit, including militant commander, killed, over 30 arrested, including four target killers, of a political party
- Intelligence agencies report says banned outfits backed by political parties carry out sectarian killings as Aftab Sherpao claims Karachi’s situation is being politicised
At least eight terrorists were killed and more than 30 suspected militants were arrested in separate raids in different areas of the metropolis.
A police team led by SSP Rao Anwar conducted a raid in QuettaTown at Super Highway on a tip-off regarding presence of militants. Witnessing arrival of police into the area, the criminals opened indiscriminate fire and heavy exchange of gunfire ensued.
SSP Anwar said that the criminals were using modern weapons against the police. “They fired rockets at the police party upon arrival in the area,” he claimed. He confirmed that three terrorists had been killed by the police. He informed that the slain terrorists belonged to a banned terror outfit.
Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid at Pathan Colony in OrangiTown, killing three suspects and arresting 15 others.
In yet another raid conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), two suspects were killed while large numbers of weapons were recovered from their possession. The suspects were making explosives.
Police claimed to have arrested 10 suspected members of a banned outfit during a raid in OrangiTown area of the city.
A senior police official told media that the suspects were taken into custody in a search operation in Farid Colony locality. He said an exchange of fire also took place between the police and the armed men. Identities of the detainees were not disclosed.
POLITICALLY SPEAKING:
Moreover, police on Sunday arrested four ‘target killers’ who they claimed were affiliated with a political party, and reportedly involved in the killing of political rivals.
The suspects were arrested from the Preedy area after a brief encounter with police personnel. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the arrested suspects. Police asserted that the arrested suspects were involved in target killing, snatching the hides of sacrificial animals and extortion.
MORE ARRESTS:
Separately, Rangers personnel conducted raids in several areas of the provincial capital and arrested at least 24 suspects including alleged target killers, extortionists, those involved in Lyari’s gang war, and banned militant organisations.
A Rangers spokesperson said that targeted operations were carried out in Agra Taj Colony, Soldier Bazaar, Bihar Colony, Malwari Parah, Liaqatabad Northern Bypass, Pirabad and Shah Faisal areas.
The spokesman added that weapons, ammunition and jihadi literature had also been recovered from the arrested suspects.
Earlier on Saturday night, five suspected militants were killed and 24 others were arrested in separate raids in Karachi.
Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid at Pathan Colony in Orangi Town, killing three suspects and arresting 15 others.
WHAT AGENCIES SAY:
Intelligence agencies’ reports have revealed that at least five groups of outlawed organization carry out crime activities in Karachi with the aid of political parties’ workers.
According to reports, the agencies have identified the suspects involved in the ongoing sectarian target killing incidents in the metropolis.
The report states that five groups of banned outfit, coupled with their peripheral groups, are involved in the target killings activities. The banned groups are achieving their aims with the assistance of target killers associated with political organizations, the report added.
The report also disclosed that Naeem Bukhari group is involved in target killing of police officials in Central Zone whereas Attaullah, Asif Chotu group, Jandala and Al-Qaeda are also implicated in other target killing activities.
Moreover, the target killing of police officials in Pareedy Street and Aaram Bagh a few days before was also done by an outlawed organization.
WHAT SHERPAO SAYS:
In the meanwhile, Qaumi Watan Party’s (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said that situation of Karachi is being politicised whereas action should be taken against those who are involved in extortion and kidnapping for ransom.
While talking to media, he said that peace can never be restored in Karachi if the ongoing operation is not stopped being politicized. He said that Pakhtun’s blood is involved in the success of Karachi; therefore, they should be allowed to live peacefully.
IN RAWALKOT:
Separately, law enforcing agencies on a tip off raided the area of Rawalkot and arrested commander of banned organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Kashif Haneef on Sunday.
According to sources, the terrorist was wanted in various criminal activities whereas several cases were also registered on him. Moreover, the terrorist has been shifted to undisclosed location for interrogation.