Two alleged terrorists arrested in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Foiling a bid to target the Independence Day functions in the provincial capital, the Special Operations Unit of the Peshawar Police arrested two alleged terrorists and recovered 30 grenades from their jackets, officials said on Friday.
A senior police official told The News that the terrorists were held during an action by the Special Operations Unit in Pakha Ghulam area. Two jackets, filled with 30 grenades, and two pistols were recovered from the arrestees. “They were planning to carry out attacks at separate places on the Independence Day. Both the held men belong to Lashkar-i-Islam-led by Mangal Bagh,” the official said.
He added that the arrested men were shifted to an unknown place for further interrogation.
Officials said the held men were wanted in a school bombing incident in Khyber Agency and the killing and kidnapping of a tribal elder Dr Rafiq. There were reports of possible attacks on functions in connection with August 14. Security remained on high alert all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the Independence Day to counter any sabotage bid.
An official said that entry points to Peshawar and all the districts were further strengthened and checking was increased since Thursday to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the functions in connection with the Independence Day. Policemen remained on their toes throughout the day, ensuring peaceful celebrations all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A search operation was carried out in Kohat and Bannu districts after reports that terrorists had entered the cities.
Police officials said several search operations were carried out in Kohat district over reports that a suicide bomber had entered the city from Bannu to hit any target. The day, however, passed peacefully, with no untoward incident happening in any part of the province.