PESHAWAR: Hangu police on Saturday arrested three terrorists including their key commander who were trying to enter the district on a motorcycle.

DPO Khalid Khan told media persons that on receiving information about the entry of terrorists into the district, surveillance teams of the police and CTD were formed to arrest them.

At a check post three people riding a motorcycle were signaled to stop and during their search arms, explosive and ammunition were recovered under their shawls.

The arrested terrorists were identified as Sabreen alias Haroon, resident of Mian Garhi Orakzai, Abid alias Saifullah, resident of Orakzai and Hazrat Bilal, resident of Dar Samandar. Two Kalashnikovs, three hand-grenades, explosive material, three pistols, one fake identity card, over 200 cartridges and mobiles phones were recovered from the arrested terrorists.

During initial investigation, it was confirmed that Hazrat Bilal was working as a key facilitator for the terrorists. The government had also placed hefty head-money on two of the arrested terrorists.

DPO Khalid Khan said the arrested terrorists confessed to their involvement in terror activities in Orakzai, Kohat, Hangu and Kurram and remained in contact with TTP leadership in Afghanistan through telegram.

The terrorists were also involved in IED blasts on police mobile and a pickup van near Tablighi Markaz Hangu. The terrorists also confessed to attacking police in Kasha area of Hangu and Sama Check Post.

The terrorists confessed to attacking an army convoy in Shahu Khel and Ghaljo in 2014 and 2015 under the leadership of their commanders Islam and Inayat. They killed a religious scholar in Karak and attacked government buildings and petrol pumps in Tora Warai and other areas.

The DPO said the arrested terrorists have been handed over to CTD for further interrogation. He also commended the police team and DSP City Amjad Hussain for arresting the most-wanted terrorists.