SIU, CIA and intelligence agencies arrest alleged TTP operative in Karachi

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU/CIA), in coordination with intelligence agencies, has arrested an alleged senior operative of the banned

KARACHI: The Special Investigation Unit (SIU/CIA), in coordination with intelligence agencies, has arrested an alleged senior operative of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in Karachi’s Machar Colony area, police sources said.

The operation was conducted in the jurisdiction of Docks Police Station following information about the suspected presence of a wanted militant in the densely populated locality. According to officials, the suspect was taken into custody alive and shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation.

Police said a hand grenade and other prohibited material were recovered from the suspect during the search. Officials said the explosive device was secured and handed over to the relevant authorities for examination.

A senior SIU official involved in the operation said intelligence had indicated that the suspect was allegedly connected to a TTP network operating from Afghanistan and was wanted in connection with attacks targeting security personnel.

According to police sources, the suspect attempted to conceal himself within a residential compound in Machar Colony but was arrested by the raiding team without an exchange of fire.

Alleged Red Book connection

Investigators are examining the suspect’s alleged links with individuals listed in the Counter-Terrorism Department’s (CTD) Red Book, which contains information on wanted terrorists in Sindh.

A CTD official familiar with the investigation claimed that the suspect’s alleged facilitator and other members of the network had previously come under law-enforcement scrutiny. Investigators are also examining claims that the suspect had past associations with militant groups and individuals involved in attacks on security forces.

Officials said the arrest could help investigators trace alleged funding channels, weapons suppliers, facilitators and safe houses connected to the network.

Suspect allegedly hiding under false identity

According to preliminary interrogation information, the suspect had allegedly been living in Machar Colony under a false identity and was attempting to reactivate a dormant network in Karachi.

A law-enforcement source claimed that the area was allegedly being used because of its densely populated streets and difficult surveillance conditions. Investigators are now examining whether the suspect had established contacts with local facilitators or other members of a militant network.

Machar Colony, located near Karachi’s port and coastal areas, is a large informal settlement in the Docks area. Security agencies have previously conducted operations there against individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal and militant activities.

Joint interrogation underway

Following the arrest, a joint investigation team comprising officials from SIU, CTD and intelligence agencies has begun questioning the suspect at an undisclosed location.

Officials said investigators are seeking information about alleged local facilitators, weapons sources, financial channels and possible planned activities in Karachi.

Based on information obtained during interrogation, further searches and arrests may be carried out in areas including Keamari, Manghopir, Sohrab Goth and Docks.

Investigation continues

The arrest comes amid continued intelligence-based operations against TTP and other banned militant groups in Karachi. Security agencies have been monitoring attempts by militant networks to establish support structures in the city.

Police officials said a case is expected to be registered under relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and explosives laws, subject to legal procedure.

Security has also been increased in parts of Docks, Mauripur and Keamari following the operation.

Authorities said the identity and other details of the arrested suspect are being withheld for the time being because the investigation and related operations are still underway.