MOSCOW, December 4 (Sputnik) – Pakistani authorities have arrested five people, including a person they believe is a high-ranking al-Qaeda commander, who heads the network’s wing in South Asia, Reuters reports.
The arrests were made in the port city of Karachi, the largest metropolitan area in Pakistan. Police also seized weapons and explosives.
Law enforcement officers identified the senior operative as Shahid Usman, adding he heads al-Qaeda branch in Karachi. "He is the Karachi chief of al Qaeda's newly formed wing working under the set up of Asim Umar, the South Asia chief of al Qaeda," stated a senior police officer with the counter-terrorism unit, as quoted by Reuters.
Usman is believed to be in his 30’s. He lived in the wealthy neighborhood of Defense and reportedly owned a car-parts dealership. “Unlike the usual militant profile, Usman comes from an affluent background,” the officer told the news agency.
Al-Qaeda’s branch, known as al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, was formed in September 2014 set to spread holy war in Myanmar, Bangladesh and India, according to AFP.
