Peshawar mosque attack: Plot brewing in Afghanistan, investigators say | World News

The plot to target a high-security mosque in the capital of Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was orchestrated in Afghanistan and funded by an intelligence agency, the country’s law enforcement officials investigating the suicide attacks said on Tuesday.

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On January 30, a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up during afternoon prayers. peshawar mosquekilling 101 people and injuring more than 200.

A senior police officer previously said the bomber had slipped into the high-security area disguised as a police uniform and was riding a motorcycle wearing a helmet and face mask.

Investigating officials say the suicide attack plot at the Peshawar mosque was planned in Afghanistan and financed by intelligence agencies in neighboring countries.

The motorcycle used in the blast was sold twice at Sarki Gate, a bustling market in Peshawar, officials said.

Police said they had arrested the seller of the motorcycle.

Security agencies have arrested 17 suspects in connection with the devastating blast, Pakistan’s deadliest attack on security personnel in decades.

Peshawar’s anti-terrorist department has announced a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees for assistance in suicide bombers.

At the same time, President Arif Alvi went to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar to inspect the wounded.

Caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan was also present.

The President discussed in detail arrangements and medical facilities for the injured with health and administrative staff.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said the suicide bomber had been identified through his DNA sample.

The bomber left his helmet at the gate before entering the high-security mosque captured on CCTV footage.

“The mastermind behind this heinous attack will be apprehended shortly,” he said.

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Pakistan has suffered a wave of terrorist attacks, mainly in the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, but also in Baluchistan and Punjab provinces.

The outlawed Pakistani Taliban movement (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the group later distanced itself from the attack.

At a Supreme Council meeting earlier this month, Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders decided to seek the intervention of Afghan Taliban chief Haybutala Akhunzada to take control of the TTP.