ISLAMABAD — Pakistani authorities have detained individuals linked to the attack on Chinese nationals in Bisham City, Shangla district, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Pakistani media citing the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
Reports indicate that one facilitator assisted the suicide bomber in crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Outfits affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are suspected of involvement in the incident, which resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver, after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle against their car.
Following the attack, a Chinese investigative team has arrived in Pakistan. This comes after China’s military stated its readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in bolstering both nations’ capacity to confront various security threats and challenges, including terrorism.
CTD sources also disclosed the arrest of a militant commander accused of escorting the suicide bomber from Afghanistan into Pakistan, along with four other facilitators. Investigations have further unveiled that the vehicle used in the attack was prepared in Afghanistan and brought to Darazinda in Dera Ismail Khan, passing through the Pak-Afghan Chaman border crossing in Balochistan.
Security forces have identified Hazrat Bilal as the mastermind behind the attack. Bilal is sought by authorities for his role in the Dasu dam attack. With two accomplices of the suicide bomber already detained, the CTD is optimistic about capturing Bilal soon.
