Rangers camp attack mastermind arrested

Police have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the June 27 attack on a Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi, along with several facilitators and individuals accused of supplying weapons to the attackers.

Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials said the attack was planned from Afghanistan, where the attackers allegedly received instructions, training, weapons, and logistical support.

Addressing a press conference, CTD SSP Irfan Bahadur said the main suspect, identified as Muhammad Bashir, coordinated the attack and managed arrangements with the help of 13 facilitators. He said investigators arrested Bashir after tracing links connected to the assault.

The attack on the Rangers compound resulted in the martyrdom of three Rangers personnel, while four others were injured. Security forces killed three attackers during the operation and arrested another attacker in an injured condition.

According to CTD officials, the four-member group included individuals identified as Janan, Hadi, Umar, and Usman. Investigators said the attackers entered Karachi from Afghanistan and were transported through Hub Chowki before reaching Korangi, where they stayed before carrying out the attack.

Officials said Janan carried out the suicide bombing at the entrance of the Rangers facility, allowing other attackers to attempt an entry into the compound.

The injured attacker, Usman, allegedly revealed during interrogation that the group received training at militant camps in Afghanistan. Authorities also claimed to have recovered videos showing preparations for the attack and gathered evidence related to the network behind the assault.

Sindh officials said the attackers included three Afghan nationals and one resident of Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They alleged that handlers operating from Afghan territory directed the attack.

Inspector General of Police Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon said the attack was aimed at disturbing peace and stability in Karachi. He added that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are continuing investigations into the case.