Security forces foiled a major terror attempt in Kohat on Friday. A pickup truck loaded with explosives was intercepted before it could reach its target. Officials said the timely action prevented a possible large-scale tragedy.
According to security sources, more than 50 kilograms of explosives were packed inside the vehicle. The explosives were attached to a detonator. A bomb disposal squad was immediately called to the scene. The team successfully defused the device using specialised equipment. Authorities said the blast could have caused massive loss of life and property if the vehicle had not been stopped in time.
District Police Officer Shehbaz Elahi reached the site shortly after the recovery. He ordered high alert across the district. Police increased patrols in sensitive areas. Additional checkpoints were set up at key entry and exit points of the city. Snap checking was also intensified to track any possible accomplices.
Police, along with the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies, cordoned off the area. A search operation was launched to identify those involved in planning the attack. Security officials said investigations were ongoing to trace the network behind the attempted bombing.
In a separate development, security forces carried out a cordon-and-search operation in the Rori area of Kulachi tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan. The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected militants in the area.
During the operation, an intense exchange of fire took place between security personnel and armed suspects. Officials confirmed that at least three militants were killed in the clash. Reports suggested that three others were injured. Security forces expanded the search operation to clear the area and prevent any escape.
Meanwhile, unidentified armed men set fire to the house of a retired Frontier Corps havildar in Tirah Valley. Local sources said the residence of Abdul Rashid was torched in the Malik Din Khel, Lakha Tegh area. The locality falls within the jurisdiction of the Tirah police station.
