ISLAMABAD: Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully foiled amajor terrorist plot on Friday when the Bomb Disposal Squad neutralised ahigh-intensity improvised explosive device planted on the vital Dawa Bridgeat Basia Khel, on the outskirts of Bannu.
Police sources said Fitna tul Khwarij terrorists affiliated with the bannedTehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan had planted the IED with the intention ofblowing up the bridge that connects several areas and serves as a key routefor both civilian and military movement.
The device, containing approximately 25 kilograms of explosives and fittedwith a remote-control mechanism, was discovered during a routine searchoperation launched after specific intelligence input about possiblesabotage.
Quick response teams cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby residentsbefore the BD Squad, displaying exceptional professionalism and courage,carried out the defusing operation that lasted nearly two hours underextreme risk.
Authorities described the successful neutralisation as a major achievementthat averted what could have been a catastrophic incident with heavy lossof life and severe disruption of communication lines in the sensitiveregion.
Local administration praised the squad members for their bravery andtechnical expertise, noting that any detonation would have isolatedmultiple villages and hampered counter-terrorism operations in the district.
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The incident highlights the continuing threat posed by terrorist remnantsdespite significant gains made by security forces against outlawed groupsin recent years.
Security has been heightened across Bannu and adjoining areas following therecovery, with additional checkpoints established to prevent similarattempts.
Source: www.dawn.com/news/1875432″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1875432
