Daily Times

KHYBER AGENCY: The Khyber Agency administration on Friday foiled a terrorism bid and arrested four alleged suicide bombers from an empty compound in Shah Kas bordering area with Peshawar.

Assistant Political Agent of Jamrud Ziaur Rehman while addressing a press conference said that they had received prior information that some terrorists were planning to target prominent dignitaries and public places on August 14. He said on Thursday night a raiding team of Khasadars and Levies forces was constituted to raid the place.

The official said around 1 AM, the team raided an empty compound located on the border between Peshawar and Khyber Agency.

Rehman said four alleged suicide bombers were arrested while five explosive vests and two detonators were also recovered from their possessions. He said each of the vest was packed with five kilograms of explosives and ball bearings.

Ziaur Rehman said initial investigation suggested that the arrested suicide bombers were planning to target prominent figures on the Independence Day. He said the arrested persons along with their explosives jackets were shifted to unknown place for further interrogation.

To a question, APA said that due to incomplete investigation and security reasons they could not disclose the nationalities and names of the arrested persons. However, he said that all of the arrested persons were from the neighboring country. When asked which of the neighboring country he did not replied to the question.

Political Agent of Khyber Agency Captain (R) Khalid Mehmood when contacted he told this correspondent that security was put on high alert in all three tehsils of Khyber Agency. He said after the development they have asked residents as to avoid going to public places.

Khalid said it would have suffered huge human losses in Khyber agency and in Peshawar if they failed to arrest the bombers.

Meanwhile, PA Khyber issued directives to the officials in Landikotal, Jamrud and Bara to complete homework for the best possible security measures.