Suicide bomb plot to rock Defence Day foiled by IB

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital was spared from a Bannu Cantt-style attack timed for the eve of Defence Day.

Thanks to a tip-off, the civilian intelligence agency apprehended key facilitators and a suicide bomber planning to target a sensitive installation, The News has learned. The plot originated with the group formerly led by Noor Wali Mehsud. Execution was entrusted to a native of Qila Abdullah (Balochistan), who had worked in Islamabad’s hotel industry before returning home to join his tailor father. He now serves as their commander for the twin cities. The suicide bomber is an Afghan national who was previously a laborer in Kabul before affiliating with the TTP.

According to an official involved in the investigation, the bomber was trained at the Al-Farooq Fidayee Camp in Paktika, Afghanistan, under Mukhlis Yar (alias Haji Lala), a South Waziristan native and close associate of Noor Wali Mehsud and Hakeemullah Mehsud. Both the operational commander and the bomber graduated from that camp.

The commander’s preliminary task was reconnaissance of sensitive targets in the twin cities. In June, he traveled to Afghanistan for a meeting where the Islamabad target was finalized — its impact envisioned to make global headlines. In July, he and the bomber moved to Islamabad, leased a house in Tarnol, and acquired a Suzuki pickup. Special cavities were made in the vehicle for carrying explosives, weapons and equipment. Funding was reportedly funneled through Afghanistan via the hundi system.

Six additional suicide bombers were set to join the operation. The plan mirrored the Bannu Cantonment attack: four attackers in lead vehicles would breach the target with grenades and gunfire, while a three-man rear team would block incoming rescue forces. However, the Intelligence Bureau got an early lead, thwarted the plan, and arrested both the commander and the bomber.