QUETTA: The counterterrorism department (CTD) arrested four alleged members of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in two separate raids in Quetta and Hub on Wednesday.

A CTD spokesperson said two activists riding a motorcycle were arrested in an intelligence-based operation at Quetta’s Qambrani Road when they were trying to escape a temporary blockade set up to restrain traffic movement.

A 9mm pistol and two hand grenades were recovered from the two suspects, namely Abdul Wajid and Jan Muhammad, who are said to be close confidants of a BLA commander.

In another operation, the CTD arrested two suspects, identified as Dost Muhammad and Muha­mmad Ismail, who are said to be close aides of BLA commanders Jaffar alias Mullah Amin and Mujeeb alias Akash Zehri. They were travelling from the Hub river area towards Sakran Road to target a cement factory and its workers.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2022