Terror bid foiled; explosives, ammunition seized in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: A terrorist bid was foiled in the provincial capital on Friday as police and security forces during raids recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand-grenades and ammunition in the limits of the Chamkani Police Station.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Sajjad Khan told reporters that the cops along with other security agencies personnel raided a hideout in Shahpur village where IEDs were prepared.

"The raiding party recovered an IED weighing around 20 kilograms, 25kg explosive powder, prima chord, fuses and other bomb making accessories from the place. Around 34 hand-grenades were also recovered," the SSP, flanked by SP Rural Furqan Bilal, DSPs Abdul Salam Khalid and Tahir Dawar and Chamkani SHO Humayun Khan told reporters.

The SSP said the explosives were placed there to be used in different terrorist incidents in the provincial capital and nearby areas. However, he added, the police in support of other agencies thwarted the bid before the terrorist could execute their operation. The deputy police chief said police across the district was alert and apart from intelligence-based operations, search and strike operations and snap checking have been increased.

Sajjad Khan added that the Chamkani police during another action in New City Home recovered 24 rifles, 21 pistols, 7100 rounds and 76 magazines from a house. The SSP Operations said that the ammunition had been placed in the house for onward smuggling to other districts for terrorist activities. The official added that an Ayub from Lakki Marwat was arrested in the raid. "Police have also increased checking at the entry points to the city while the posts on the boundaries with tribal areas have also been strengthened to maintain peace in Peshawar," said Sajjad Khan.

Meanwhile, cops in Matani said they arrested an alleged terrorist after an exchange of fire. The officials said that the held militant was wanted to police in a number of cases. A hand grenade and a Kalashnikov were recovered from him.