Seven Policemen Martyred in Terrorist Attack on DI Khan Training Centre

On Saturday, terrorists attacked the police station of Dera Ismail Khan, leading to 7 casualties and leaving 13 others injured.

Police briefing on the attack:

According to the CTD report, the assault occurred around 8:30 p.m. within the jurisdiction of the Shorkot Police Station. The attackers, identified as members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The terrorists rammed a truck loaded with explosives into the main gate of the training school in Ratta Kalachi, causing part of the boundary wall to collapse. This initial blast claimed the life of one officer before the militants entered the premises, firing continuously and throwing grenades.

Police authorities confirmed and said, “Last night, Fitna al Khawarij terrorists first rammed a truck loaded with explosives into the gate of the police training school in Ratta Kalachi area, causing the school wall to collapse.”

The exchange of fire continued for nearly five hours as police forces fought courageously to push back the militants. During the operation, five terrorists were killed, and large quantities of explosives, suicide jackets, and ammunition were recovered.

Dera Ismail Khan’s Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Hamid Siddiqui confirmed the number of casualties and added that a Nadra office near the site was also set ablaze during the attack.

Security forces display bravery:

When the attack began, District Police Officer (DPO) Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Ashfaq Anwar immediately reached the scene with heavy reinforcements.

The official statement said, “The police and security forces jointly set an example of courage and bravery in the five-hour-long operation, killing five terrorists and recovering suicide jackets, explosives, and ammunition from them.”

After the operation, authorities confirmed that the area had been cleared of terrorists and that a search operation was underway to ensure complete security.

KP Police Chief vows:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed praised the officers’ valor. He said that KP police are already ready to combat terrorist attacks.  He said, “The unparalleled bravery of the officers on the frontline has proven that the KP police is committed to eradicating terrorism.”

He announced compensation for the families of the martyred policemen and assured them that “their sacrifices will not go in vain.” The KP IG also declared special rewards for those who participated in the counterterrorism operation.

A surge in terror attacks across KP:

In recent months, terrorist groups have increased their attacks on KP. They are continuing to target districts, including Bannu, Peshawar, Karak, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur.

Just a day earlier, a senior army officer was martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in DI Khan. On Wednesday, a police checkpoint in the same district came under attack, leaving another officer martyred. Last month, 13 terrorists were eliminated in an IBO in DI Khan’s Daraban area.

Reports from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) revealed that KP remained the most terrorism-affected province last month, recording 45 attacks that killed 54 people and injured 49.