Pakistan army foils major terrorist attack on Easter Sunday

Pakistan’s military says security forces foiled a “major terrorist attack” on minority Christians when they killed a militant and detained his associate in the eastern city of Lahore. (Photo: Pakistan Army/Facebook)

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s military says security forces foiled a “major terrorist attack” on minority Christians when they killed a militant and detained his associate in the eastern city of Lahore.

In a statement, the military said Saturday four soldiers were wounded in an overnight raid.

It was unclear which militant group wanted to target Easter Sunday in Lahore, where more than 70 people were killed in a 2016 suicide bombing at a park, which was crowded with Christians and Muslims at the time.

The latest raid came hours after Christians celebrated Good Friday by worshipping at city churches.

Security forces in recent months have stepped up operations against militants but Friday’s raid and shootout came as Christians prepared to celebrate the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

Rahmi was among the six Abu Sayyaf terrorists who were killed. The military also suffered four killed, including an army lieutenant.

It was the first time that the Abu Sayyaf sneaked into Bohol, a paradise island, a popular destination for foreign and local tourists.

Had the terrorist made a successful landing undetected, it would have been an unforgettable nightmare for Bohol.

Padilla said the timely report by civilians nipped in the bud the Abu Sayyaf evil intention to sow terror in the island-province.

He said civilian-military cooperation is very important in maintaining peace and order in the country.

It may be recalled that Bohol was the first province in the entire country that crushed the communist insurgency of the New People’s Army (NPA) in 2009 during the time of then Gov. Erico B. Aumentado.