Three ‘highly wanted’ militants linked to Khawariji faction arrested in Karachi

KARACHI: In a major counter-terrorism operation, Sindh Rangers on Thursday apprehended three militants belonging to the banned Khawariji faction from Korangi’s Mehran Town, recovering arms, ammunition, and explosive materials. The arrested suspects were identified as Nematullah alias Abid, Mohammad Noor alias Mani, and Sabirullah alias Daniel – all described as “highly trained operatives” working under Khawariji commanders Roman Raees and Islamuddin.

During interrogations, Nematullah admitted being an active Khawariji member since 2018, having received combat training in Barmal, Afghanistan, and participating in multiple terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before being arrested in 2019. After his release, he rejoined the group and was sent to Karachi in 2021. Noor Mohammad revealed joining Islamuddin’s cell in 2022, conducting reconnaissance of key Karachi sites for future attacks, and maintaining direct contact with the commander who allegedly sent funds for operations. Sabirullah confessed to propagating Khawariji propaganda videos on social media since 2018 before being tasked with planning Karachi attacks this year.

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The suspects were allegedly involved in target killings, extortion activities, and terror attack planning. All three have been handed over to police along with seized weapons for further legal proceedings, according to a Rangers spokesperson.