By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel have killed four militants from the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), including a high-profile commander, during an overnight operation in Karachi, officials said Thuesday.
The raid was conducted in the Shah Latif Town area based on intelligence gleaned from suspects arrested last month with explosives, according to a CTD spokesperson. CTD DIG Azfar Mahesar said that as security forces surrounded the hideout, militants inside opened fire. One militant was killed at the scene, while three others died from injuries en route to hospital after being wounded in the exchange.
The deceased were identified as Jaleel, Niaz, Hamdan and Sohail Baloch – the latter confirmed through intelligence reports as a prominent BLA commander. According to CTD officials, Baloch was allegedly involved in the killings of more than 50 security personnel and civilians.
Sohail Baloch is said to have masterminded the targeted killing of Panjgur Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch and supplied five suicide bombers for the attack on the Jaffar Express in Bolan. “He was actively involved in providing weapons and logistical support to terrorists and planning various operations,” a CTD official said.
Weapons and explosives recovered from the site included five hand grenades and a sub-machine gun (SMG). Two police personnel – Head Constable Muhammad Yousuf and Constable Raja Junaid – sustained injuries during the gunfight and were hospitalized for treatment.
Further raids are underway to apprehend other accomplices of the slain militants, officials added. The operation marks a significant blow to the BLA’s capabilities in Karachi, where the group has previously attempted to establish sleeper cells and logistical networks.
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