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PESHAWAR:
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police on Saturday said it had foiled a potentially major attack after arresting a woman suspected of planning a suicide bomb 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 associated with a banned militant outfit, was preparing for a suicide mission.
Following the tip-off, a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team conducted an operation at the identified premises.
According to a CTD spokesman, the suspect, identified only by the initial “Z”, was arrested and subjected to preliminary questioning.
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 dead.
Police said the woman further claimed she had recently agreed to carry out a suicide attack. She allegedly revealed that a suicide vest and a designated target were to be delivered 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 banned organisation, a power bank and other personal belongings.
Police also said they seized a perfume bottle which they claimed was meant to hide the smell of explosives.
The suspect has been formally arrested and moved to an undisclosed location for further investigation. Authorities said efforts were underway 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 to thwart terrorist plots and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against anti-government elements.
