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Terror attack warning has put the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 on a high alert. Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of foreign attendees at the Champions Trophy 2025. According to their intelligence reports, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is planning to kidnap foreign nationals for ransom.
Terror Attack warning leaves Champions Trophy on high alert
The terror group is reportedly focusing its efforts on Chinese and Arab citizens, and has been conducting surveillance at key locations such as ports, airports, offices, and residential areas frequented by these individuals. This warning signals a significant security threat, requiring heightened vigilance and robust countermeasures.
The intelligence alert has placed Pakistani security forces on high alert, to counter the potential terrorist attack during the eight-team tournament. The specific threat of abducting foreign guests has prompted immediate and intensified security protocols. The news dropped just after the high-octane clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai which Rohit Sharma's brigade ended up winning by six wickets.
It comes as a big setback for PCB who is staging its first ever ICC tournament after 29 years in Pakistan. Pakistan endured a prolonged period of isolation after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team, but had recently made substantial progress in hosting successful international series. This new threat jeopardizes those hard-won gains.
Reportedly, Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau has issued warnings about potential threats from multiple extremist groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS, and various Balochistan-based organisations. These groups are reportedly plotting to abduct foreign nationals attending the tournament, posing a big risk to the safety and security of the event.
Intelligence reports indicate that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is employing a strategic approach to facilitate kidnappings. Their operatives are reportedly planning to rent properties on the fringes of urban areas, specifically selecting locations devoid of camera surveillance and accessible primarily by rickshaws or motorcycles. This calculated choice of safe houses is designed to minimize detection and facilitate the clandestine movement of kidnapped individuals. ISKP intends to transfer hostages between these safe houses under the cover of darkness, effectively circumventing security forces and hindering rescue attempts.
Adding to the regional security complexities, Afghanistan's General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) has also issued alerts regarding potential ISKP attacks on critical infrastructure. The GDI has intensified its efforts to locate and apprehend missing ISKP operatives believed to be planning these attacks, highlighting the transnational nature of the threat and the necessity for coordinated counterterrorism measures.
Pakistan on verge of Champions Trophy elimination
Meanwhile, adding to the challenges faced by Pakistan, who are hosting the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy, Mohammad Rizwan's brigade has got off to a horrendous start to the tournament. The defending champions have suffered consecutive losses in their first two matches. They started with a 60-run defeat against New Zealand and then followed it up with a six-wicket loss to India on February 23 to stare at Champions Trophy's elimination. Pakistan will play their last league-stage match against Bangladesh on February 27.
