KARACHI: The police counterterrorism department on Friday claimed to have arrested three `commanders` of banned militant outfits.

The CTD-2 wing and an intelligence agency personnel conducted joint raids in Orangi, Korangi and Lyari and arrested three commanders of the Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the Lashkar-iJhangvi (LeJ) and the Sipahi-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), said AIG of CTD Dr Sanaullah Abbasi.

One of the held militants, Mohammed Aziz, was associated with the AQIS and he had got training from Afghanistan. He used to collect protection money for terrorist activities in the metropolis besides he was also involved in injuring a police constable at the Seaview, said the CTD Sindh chief.

He also used to carry out reconnaissance for targeted l
Another arrested militant Tauseef Zaheer was linked with the LeJ and he had also got training from Afghanistan. He was involved in targeted killings of law enforcers, the officer said.

Third militant Abdul Hafeez belonged to the SSP and used to provide financial assistance to militants, he added.

The alleged militant used to provide weapons and sulcide bombers for terrorist attacks, said the CTD head.

The police claimed to have seize d four 1(ilogramme explosive material, three hand grenades, two pistols and 33 rounds of bullets from their possession.