Security forces kill mastermind of Kocha Risaldar suicide attack

PESHAWAR: Two terrorists including a mastermind of a suicide attack on Kocha Risaldar Jama Masjid were killed during a joint operation by Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and intelligence agencies.

CTD and Peshawar Region and intelligence agencies conducted an intelligence-based targeted operation in the Pushtkhara area, BOL News reported on Saturday.

During the operation, two terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire, one of whom was identified as Hassan Shah, son of Arman Shah, resident of Godar, Jamrud, Khyber District, while the other killed terrorist is being identified.

In this regard, the officials said that Hassan Shah was the mastermind of the suicide attack on the mosque which took place during Friday prayers on March 3, 2022, in which 66 worshipers were martyred and 130 worshipers were injured.

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Terrorist Hassan was wanted by CTD and local police in several other serious cases, including suicide bombings and targeted killings.

Besides, suicide jackets, 02 pistols and 04 hand grenades were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists.

A large contingent of CTD and security forces reached the spot, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to nab the fleeing terrorists.