Officials say arrested attacker admitted affiliation with banned Jamaat-ul-Ahrar during interrogation
An injured suspect arrested following an attack on a Pakistan Rangers Sindh camp has claimed he belongs to the banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and travelled from Afghanistan before the assault, according to security officials.
Officials identified the suspect as Usman Ali, who said he came from Afghanistan’s Jalalabad region. In a video statement released during the investigation, he claimed three other men—identified as Abdul Hadi, Janan, and Umar Farooq—accompanied him on the mission. He said Abdul Hadi was killed during the operation.
According to the suspect, Janan threw an explosive device at the Rangers camp during the attack. He further claimed the group entered Pakistan seven days before the incident and stayed in an under-construction building arranged by Abdul Hadi, a resident of Bajaur.
Suspect describes planning and training
Usman Ali alleged that Abdul Hadi transported the weapons used in the attack from Waziristan. He also said he sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to flee the scene after the assault.
The suspect claimed the group’s commander in Afghanistan was known as Ahrar Maulvi Sahib. He further alleged that the militants received combat and suicide vest training in Afghanistan under an instructor identified as Umar Qari.
According to his statement, logistical arrangements in Karachi had been completed before the group’s arrival, while Abdul Hadi maintained contact with the local support network because of his previous visits to the city.
Investigation into cross-border links continues
The suspect also claimed the attackers initially did not know the operational difference between the Pakistan Army and the Rangers but later received detailed instructions before carrying out the attack.
Security officials said the statement suggested possible links between Jamaat-ul-Ahrar operatives and handlers based in Afghanistan. Defence analysts also reiterated concerns that terrorist groups continue to use Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, authorities said investigations into the attack remain ongoing, and security agencies are pursuing additional leads to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
