A militant accused of masterminding a suicide attack on the old Kohat Police Lines was killed in an intelligence-based joint operation in Lakki Marwat district, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) said. The operation was carried out by the CTD’s Lakki Marwat unit together with security forces.
The dead man was identified as Zahid Gul. The department alleged he was involved in several terrorist attacks and guided the explosive-laden vehicle used in the suicide bombing on the old Kohat Police Lines.
Alleged links to Gul Bahadur group and foiled plot
According to the CTD, Zahid Gul had close ties with the Gul Bahadur militant group and helped move several suicide bombers to Kohat. He also allegedly brought a bomber to target the new Kohat Police Lines about two months ago, an attack the department said was foiled.
The department said the militant’s intended targets included a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) installation and a police training school in Kohat. Other members of his cell have already been detained by security agencies, the CTD added.
Bank robbery proceeds allegedly passed to Banu factions
The slain militant was also allegedly involved in a bank robbery in Bili Tung, during which Rs.6 million was taken, the CTD stated. The department said the stolen money was distributed among terrorist factions based in Banu, specifically in the Bakakhel and Janikhel areas.
