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PESHAWAR:
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police on Saturday said it had thwarted a potential major attack after arresting a woman suspected of planning a suicide bombing during a targeted raid in Dera Ismail Khan.
Officials said the arrest was made in the Sheikh Yousaf Khema Basti locality following intelligence reports that a young woman, allegedly affiliated with a banned militant outfit, was preparing for a suicide mission.
Acting on the tip-off, a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team carried out an operation at the identified premises.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the suspect, identified only by the initial “Z”, was taken into custody and subjected to preliminary interrogation.
During questioning, she allegedly told investigators that she had undergone training under a militant commander named Shah Wali, also known as Tariq Kochi, who authorities believe is now deceased.
Police said the woman further claimed that she had recently agreed to carry out a suicide attack. She allegedly disclosed that a suicide vest and a designated target were to be provided by another commander identified as Asim.
During the search operation, officials recovered a bag containing a pistol along with ammunition, two mobile phones allegedly used to maintain contact with members of the proscribed organisation, a power bank and other personal belongings.
Police also said they seized a perfume bottle, which they claimed was intended to conceal the smell of explosives.
The suspect has been formally arrested and shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation. Authorities said efforts were under way to verify her statements and identify and trace her alleged handlers.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD personnel involved in the operation and announced a cash reward for the team.
In a statement, the CTD reiterated that indiscriminate operations across the province would continue in order to foil terrorist plots and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against anti-state elements.
