DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sept 30: The security forces foiled a sabotage attempt and recovered a 30 kilogram bomb and 15 kilogram explosive powder during a search operation near Gomal, about 20 kilometres off Tank city on Friday.

The law-enforcement agencies took the action on information that some anti-state elements were present in the Kot Hakeem village near Gomal Bazaar in Tank.

The security forces and police launched a joint search operation in the area and cordoned off the entire village directing the people to stay indoors. The operation continued till late in the evening.

The security forces recovered 15 kilogram explosive powder and a 30 kilogram bomb which had been abandoned by the miscreants in the nearby fields while fleeing before the operation was launched. No arrest was made.

Military authorities told reporters that the possible targets of the terrorists could have been the Gomal Bazaar police station and the Kaur Fort where the army and paramilitary forces were staying.—Correspondent