TTP militants kidnap 18 nuclear scientists; Pakistan Prime Minister shaken

TTP militants kidnap 18 nuclear scientists; Pakistan Prime Minister shaken

In a disturbing escalation of terrorism, militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have kidnapped 18 employees and scientists of Pakistan’s Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Local police immediately launched a search operation and successfully rescued eight of the hostages.

The heavily armed militants attacked workers heading to the Kabul Khel Nuclear Power Plant. After holding the workers at gunpoint, the attackers set their vehicles on fire and fled the scene. During the operation, three of the rescued hostages were injured, with one in serious condition. Efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining hostages.

The TTP has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and released a video showing some of the hostages pleading with authorities to meet the TTP’s demands to secure their release. Reports suggest that the TTP has demanded the release of their prisoners in Pakistani jails. The authenticity of the video and the statements made by the militants are still being verified. The militants are also reported to have looted uranium during the attack.

The kidnapped workers were involved in mining projects under the PAEC, an organization focused on peaceful nuclear applications in fields like energy, agriculture, and medicine. This kidnapping comes amid ongoing terrorist activities in Pakistan, including a recent attack by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan. Though no casualties were reported in that attack, it reflects the growing intensity of militant operations across the country.

TTP Kidnap 18 Pakistan Nuclear Scientist : मुंह ताकता रह गया पाकिस्‍तान, मचा हड़कंप, VIDEO Viral#ttp #talibanpakistan #nuclearscientist #indianews #hindinews #indianewsnational pic.twitter.com/d8B5Nw2YKC

— India News (@NetworkItv) January 10, 2025

The TTP and Baloch insurgents are allegedly operating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, according to Pakistani officials, a claim denied by Kabul. The TTP, recently labeled a global terrorist organization by the United Nations, is described as the largest militant group in Afghanistan, with thousands of fighters active in the region.

This attack has raised serious concerns about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear facilities and the increasing violence in the region, leaving the Pakistani Prime Minister and officials deeply shaken.

Read More;Trump guilty in hush money case to porn star, US court denies jail sentence