DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Three suspected terrorists were killed in a powerful explosion here on Thursday while preparing an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kot Kandiyan village, located in Kulachi tehsil.

According to police officials, the blast occurred as the individuals were in the process of assembling an IED, resulting in their on the spot death. Initial investigation suggested that the suspects were planning a terrorist activity when the explosives accidentally went off.

Following the incident, security forces and the bomb disposal squad cordoned off the area, collected forensic evidence and launched a comprehensive search operation in and around the vicinity.

Police confirmed identification of two of the deceased. One of them, Sahib Khan, belonged to Tank district, while the second namely Turab was a resident of South Waziristan. The identity of the third individual is yet to be determined.

Further investigations are under way to determine the full extent of the plot and any possible affiliations.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2025