Kohat police announced a significant breakthrough in their counter-terrorism efforts with the arrest of two key operatives working for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The suspects, identified as brothers and serving police officers, were apprehended following a meticulous investigation.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Abbas Majid, along with DPO Dr. Zahid Ullah and SP CTD Saadat Khan, addressed a press conference at the Kohat Police Club yesterday to reveal details of the operation. The arrested individuals, identified as Constable Siraj (a district police officer) and Constable Faridun (a Counter-Terrorism Department – CTD – official), were allegedly involved in a plot to disrupt Muharram processions and target senior police officials in Kohat.

According to RPO Majid, the brothers planned to carry out attacks on the Kohat Police Lines Mosque, the CTD police station, and other government buildings. Their plot also included targeting police officials and disrupting August 14th (Pakistan Independence Day) rallies. One brother was stationed at the CTD main gate, while the other was in the police control room, providing crucial information to the TTP. The RPO stated that the suspects had previously assisted in the targeted killings of CTD officers.

The police investigation revealed that the brothers had provided the TTP with crucial maps and planned to target two high-ranking CTD officers. They had also planted explosive devices near the vehicles of senior officers on two separate occasions; however, the devices miraculously failed to detonate.

The arrested officers were remanded into custody for 15 days by a magistrate. Police operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network and facilitators.