KARACHI, Pakistan: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Pakistani security agencies have arrested a key operative involved in supplying drone technology, electronic equipment and explosive-making materials to the banned terrorist group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), authorities said on Friday.
Officials described the operation as a significant breakthrough, claiming it was the first case of its kind in which a member of a supply network providing advanced drone technology and components for militant operations had been apprehended.
According to investigators, the operative, identified as Tahir, was working under the direction of his brother, Talal alias Zaid Baloch, a TTP member based in Afghanistan and listed in CTD Sindh’s Red Book.
Authorities said Talal had assigned the operative the task of procuring and supplying electronic equipment, drones, mobile phone batteries, chips, inverters and other technological items for use by the militant group.
The suspect used to purchase drone motors, frames, propellers, batteries, controller boards, wiring, clips, nuts and bolts, along with other electronic components that investigators say could be used in the assembly of drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Officials said the items were sourced from markets in Karachi, including Saddar, Bolton Market and Ranchore Line, as well as online platforms.
Investigators said that commercial drones and mobile phones were procured as part of the supply chain.
According to CTD officials, evidence gathered during the investigation suggests the equipment was intended for use in bomb attacks, suicide vests and drone-based militant operations.
During the operation, authorities recovered approximately two kilograms of explosive material, a drone with its battery and a remote-control device.
A case has been registered against the suspect, and further investigations are ongoing. Officials said a joint team has been formed to pursue additional leads obtained during the interrogation and to identify other individuals linked to the network.
