RAWALPINDI, Aug 30: Security forces were put on high alert in the wake of intelligence reports that two suspected suicide bombers had left Waziristan to strike in Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Kharian cantonment, Dawn has learnt.

Besides stepping up security around sensitive installations, a largescale hunt has also been launched for the suicide bombers who will be carrying school bags containing books, the source said.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Nasir Khan Durrani, while confirming the report, said: “We have taken precaution and put the police on heightened security alert and started checking public transport vehicles at bus terminals.”

The RPO said the police had started random checking of people at bus terminals and railway stations. Extra police have also been deployed around sensitive buildings as well as throughout the city.

The report said the suspected suicide bombers were between the ages of 15 and 18 and had fair complexion. They would be carrying school bags containing books and a school certificate, the source quoted the intelligence report as saying.

He said the suspected bombers might stay in Dera Ismail Khan and then travel to Rawalpindi on public transport, and possibly reach Pirwadhai bus stand.