ISLAMABAD — Pakistani security authorities have arrested close relatives of the suicide bomber who carried out a deadly attack at an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, as nationwide operations were launched to dismantle the terrorist network behind the assault, intelligence sources confirmed.
Arrests and Key Developments
According to intelligence officials, the alleged suicide bomber, identified as Yasir Khan, a resident of Peshawar, maintained contact with his brother-in-law, Usman. During targeted operations, Yasir’s two brothers, Bilal and Nasir, along with Usman, were taken into custody from the Tarnab Farm area. Earlier reports indicated that another brother had been detained in Peshawar, while the brother-in-law was apprehended as part of case-related operations.
Authorities also reported that a key facilitator linked to the attack was killed in an operation in Nowshera. In a significant development, the bomber’s mother was arrested from her residence in a posh sector of Islamabad. Officials stressed that nationwide counterterrorism operations are ongoing to dismantle the network responsible for orchestrating the attack.
Bomber’s Movements and Reconnaissance
Investigators have reconstructed Yasir Khan’s movements in the months leading up to the attack. Intelligence sources revealed that he travelled to Afghanistan in May and returned in June. Later that month, he moved to Bajaur, where he activated a SIM card. Between June 27 and October, Yasir remained in Bajaur before relocating to Hakeemabad in Nowshera.
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Police further indicated that the bomber had conducted reconnaissance of the imambargah on February 2, just days before executing the suicide attack.
The Attack and Casualties
At least 32 people were killed and around 169 others injured when the suicide bomber struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra during Friday prayers. According to authorities and hospital officials, the explosion was accompanied by gunfire, targeting worshippers gathered for Jumma prayers.
This incident is the deadliest attack in Islamabad in more than a decade and the most lethal in Pakistan since the Peshawar mosque bombing in January 2023.
Terrorist Training and Links
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that Yasir Khan had travelled to Afghanistan multiple times and received militant training there. Sources close to the investigation stated that he stayed in Afghanistan for approximately five months and was trained at the Mansoor Istashhadi training centre in Kunar province, a region known for militant activity.
Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, confirmed the bomber’s identity, stating that he is a Pakistani citizen and not Afghan. Forensic examinations of the bomber’s remains provided detailed information about his multiple trips to Afghanistan.
Alleged Regional Nexus
State broadcaster PTV News and senior officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have claimed that terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan pose a broader regional security threat. Officials alleged links between India and Afghanistan in orchestrating attacks within Pakistan, though Kabul has denied such claims.
In an X post, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif referred to the attackers as “enemies of both religion and the nation” and assured that Pakistan would respond with full force. Evidence is reportedly emerging of the bomber’s movements between Afghanistan and Pakistan and potential connections involving militant elements in India.
The investigation and nationwide operations are ongoing, with authorities focusing on uncovering the full network behind the attack and preventing future incidents targeting civilians and places of worship.
