Dera Ismail Khan / Bannu: Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) KP has foiled a major terrorist plot in the Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) region after arresting a female suicide bomber during an intelligence-based operation.
According to officials, the operation was conducted in the Sheikh Yousaf tent settlement area of DI Khan, where the suspect was taken into custody. CTD sources confirmed that the arrested woman belongs to Waziristan.
During the operation, CTD recovered a 30-bore pistol, multiple mobile phones, a tablet device, and materials intended for use in a suicide attack. Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had received training from Khariji Shah Wali alias Tariq Kochi and was considered his close associate.
CTD officials said that during interrogation, the woman disclosed that a Khariji commander identified as Asim was responsible for providing the target and attack logistics. Digital evidence obtained from her mobile phone reportedly contains contacts with a banned militant organization and details related to the planned suicide bombing.
Bannu Suicide Attack: Two Soldiers Martyred
In a separate incident on Saturday, a suicide attack targeted a Pakistan Army convoy in Bannu, resulting in the martyrdom of a Lieutenant Colonel and a soldier, according to security sources. In a prompt and effective response, security forces carried out a counter-operation, killing five terrorists.
The responsibility for the Bannu attack was claimed by Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen, a sub-group of Fitna al Khwarij. Security officials stated that the group is linked to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction, whose leadership is reportedly operating from Afghanistan.
Afghanistan-Based Planning Uncovered
Security sources further revealed that the planning, coordination, and facilitation of the Bannu suicide attack were traced back to Afghanistan. The same group had previously carried out an attack on Bannu Cantonment during last Ramadan, with investigations confirming Afghan-based planning.
Officials also recalled that on September 2, 2025, a Federal Constabulary officer, Major Adnan, was martyred while fighting terrorists in Bannu. The group has also claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in North and South Waziristan, including Mir Ali.
According to security assessments, more than 70 percent of terrorists involved in recent attacks inside Pakistan are either Afghan nationals or have direct links to Afghanistan. Security officials maintain that the continued presence of militant leadership across the border is evidence that Afghan soil is being used to orchestrate terrorism against Pakistan, posing a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
