Pakistan, counter-terrorism forces foil terrorist plot, explosives seized

On Saturday 6 March, police forces foiled a terrorist attack in Quetta, the capital and largest city of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. According to a spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the operation took place near the Radio Pakistan Tower. Acting on intelligence information, counter-terrorism forces had mobilised at the scene to prevent possible sabotage aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure. They recovered a 20kg improvised explosive device (IED) with a remote detonation mechanism and 50kg of high-grade explosives buried underground. Five hand grenades and three 9mm handguns were also seized. A meticulous search was conducted with the assistance of the Bomb Disposal Unit. No arrests were made during the action and no suspects were found. Presently, a forensic examination of the retrieved materials is ongoing, while subsequent intelligence-driven operations are being executed to ascertain and detain the individuals implicated in the thwarted plot.