Police arrest 5 militants with cyanide and suicide bombs

Police said on Saturday they had averted a disaster with the arrest of five militants planning to attack Muharram processions with cyanide and suicide bombs.

The arrests late on Friday in Karachi came as Shia Muslims across Pakistan gathered for religious commemorations that have in recent years drawn attacks from militants.

“Their arrest has averted a big disaster … but the threat of suicide attacks is still there,” provincial police chief Azhar Ali Farooqi told a news conference.

The five militants, one of whom was preparing to become a suicide bomber, belonged to different militant groups and were picked up in raids in different parts of the city, Farooqi said.

“They planned to carry out suicide and grenade attacks on processions,” he said.

Police seized 6 kg (13.2 lb) of explosives for use in suicide jackets, 2 kg (4.4 lb) ball bearings, one kg (2.2 lb) of nails, detonators, three hand grenades and two pistols.

Police also seized 500 grams (17 oz) of cyanide that Farooqi said was going to be used to poison drinks handed out to people taking part in the Muharram processions.

Security forces are on high alert for violence this weekend when many Shia beat themselves into a frenzy of grief during processions.