Police foils terror attack bid on eve of New Year

KARACHI (92 News) – The law enforcement agencies foiled a terrorist bid on the eve of the New Year in Karachi and arrested at least five suspects in the wee hours of Sunday. As per reports – on a tip off over alleged presence of suspects – the police raided a place in Pir Ilahi Buksh Colony or Pir Elahi Bux Colony (PIB Colony) Karachi in a late night. During the raid, the accused opened firing and hurled hand grenades on the police but they were not exploded. Meanwhile, the police seized a motorcycle that was fitted with 8 to 10 kg explosives. Three hand grenades and other weapons were also recovered. Police had to face a hand grenade attack and shots that were fired at their vehicle. A police spokesman told that counter fire was opened, however, there was no loss of life and as a result of the raid five suspects were arrested. DIG East Zone Aamir Farooq revealed that the accused were plotting a terrorist attack on New Year Eve. On the other side, the Sindh inspector general of police (IGP) announced to give reward one lack rupees for each person of the bomb disposal team who foiled the bid of terrorists. Earlier in December two suspects affiliated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) South Africa network were arrested by the Rangers in a raid in North Karachi. The paramilitary force also raided an empty house in Azizabad and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition. The seized arms included 40 weapons, 17 kilogrammes of plastic explosives, 350 hand grenades, more than 100 rockets, Avan bombs and launchers and more than 42,000 bullets, the agency announced.