In a major development, TTP terrorist Muhammad Tariq Rafiq who is believed to be the mastermind behind the heinous Dasu attack was reportedly killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan’s province Kunar.
The Dasu attack, which took place in July 2021 claimed the lives of 10 Chinese nationals and left 26 others injured. The planning for the terrorist attack was done in Afghanistan, with the provision of material support as well. The vehicle used in VBIED attack was brought from Afghanistan to Pakistan.
According to the details, Muhammad Tariq Rafiq also known as Button Kharab, was reportedly killed near Paich Dara, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
BREAKING: The Prime accused in attacking and facilitating attacks against the Chinese installations in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Muhammad Tariq Rafiq alias Button Kharab has been killed near Paich Dara, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. “He has gone out of communication since… pic.twitter.com/4HSgirZaBW
— The Khorasan Diary (@khorasandiary) July 11, 2023
At least twelve people, including nine Chinese nationals and two Pakistani soldiers, were killed in a blast targeting a bus in a remote region of northern Pakistan. The bus was carrying the workers to the Dasu Hydropower Project in Upper Kohistan. It was not immediately clear whether the blast resulted from a roadside device or something planted inside the bus.
Read more: Traces of explosives found at Dasu bus incident site
Chinese authorities had condemned the attack, demanding Pakistan catch the culprits and ensure the security of its nationals in the South Asian country. Meanwhile, the Pakistan authorities conducted thorough investigations of the incident and shared the findings with the Chinese side at every stage. A Pakistani anti-terrorism court awarded death sentences to two men accused.
🇨🇳🇵🇰Chinese ambassador to Pakistan has visited the site of the shuttle bus explosion near Dasu Hydropower plant to investigate the cause, together with the Pakistani military and a Chinese team.pic.twitter.com/VBHN5gd6t4
— Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) July 17, 2021
The last few years have seen an increase in the attacks on Chinese nationals and their installations, mostly in its largest province of Balochistan where a separatist movement has been going on for decades.
In April 2022, three Chinese teachers and their Pakistani driver were killed in a suicide attack at a university in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi. The attack was claimed by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
As per reports, Muhammad Tariq Rafiq was also responsible for escorting and planning attacks in collusion with BLA, particularly the female suicide bombing targeting the Chinese language Centre in Karachi.
Read more: Karachi blast targets Chinese nationals