PESHAWAR (MNN); At least 15 people, including 14 security personnel, were martyred after terrorists attacked a joint police and security forces checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district early Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military’s media wing, militants belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij attempted to storm the checkpost by breaching its perimeter. However, alert security personnel responded swiftly, successfully foiling the assault and killing 15 terrorists during an intense exchange of fire.
ISPR said the attackers later rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the checkpost’s boundary wall, causing a massive explosion that severely damaged the facility.
The blast claimed the lives of 12 military personnel, two police officials, and one government employee from the Forest Department, who embraced martyrdom while defending the country.
A sanitisation operation is underway in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists and secure the vicinity.
The military reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue nationwide counterterrorism operations under Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
ISPR stated that the sacrifices of the martyred personnel further strengthen the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and safeguard Pakistan’s security.
The attack comes amid an increase in terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last week, security forces killed 24 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in Bannu and nearby areas following a surge in attacks targeting law enforcement personnel and civilians.
Earlier in May, 15 police personnel were martyred in a suicide bombing at the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu after terrorists rammed an explosives-filled vehicle into the facility. Three other policemen were injured in that attack.
