Combing operation launched in Quetta, suburbs after deadly bombing

QUETTA: The military on Wednesday kicked off a special combing operation in Quetta and suburbs upon the directives of Army Chief General Raheel Sharif following a deadly bombing in the provincial capital that had left at least 70 people dead and wounded over 110 on Monday.

Yesterday at a Corps Commander Conference, the COAS had directed the commanders and intelligence outfits that they should further intensify the combing and targeted operations with full vigour to eliminate terrorists and sleeper cells.

He had also directed to provide all necessary assistance to the provincial law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in their capacity building through training, resourcing and planning so as to integrate them effectively in counterterrorism operations.

Security personnel, today, launched a special combing operation in Quetta and its suburbs sweeping different areas for suspected elements. Similar operations have been ongoing in different cities of the country.

Dozens of suspects have been rounded up in search operations by LEAs in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and other cities since yesterday.

Two Afghan intelligence agents were arrested today during a search operation in Peshawar’s Regi area, officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said.

They also claimed to have seized a six kilogram explosive device installed inside a computer from suspects, Ateeq and Amanullah.