CTD arrests TTP-trained suicide bomber in Karachi operation

A suspected militant linked to a banned organisation has been arrested in a joint operation carried out by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh and a federal intelligence agency in Karachi, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the detained suspect, identified as Salman alias Abu Huraira, is a trained suicide operative associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan network. 

He is reported to be a close associate of Zaffran alias Abu Huraira, a militant previously killed in a separate operation.

Authorities said the suspect had been involved in an earlier attack on foreign nationals at Liberty Textile and was actively planning further operations in the city.

He was allegedly acting under instructions from a militant commander identified as Maulvi Mukhles Yar.

Officials added that Salman had received specialised suicide training in Afghanistan and had entered Karachi along with an associate identified as Idris alias Asadullah.

Initial investigations suggest that the group had been planning targeted killings, with preparations for a larger coordinated attack underway.

During the operation, law enforcement agencies recovered a prepared suicide vest along with maps and photographs of sensitive locations from the suspect’s possession. 

Authorities believe additional operatives were expected to enter the city, prompting continued search operations in multiple areas.

A case has been registered at the CTD police station under anti-terrorism and explosives-related laws.

Officials said further interrogation is ongoing and more arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.

Reporter: Osama Malik