A deadly terrorist attack, allegedly carried out by the Indian proxy Fitna-ul-Khawarij, targeted the Police Training School on Bannu Road in DI Khan on Friday night, leaving six policemen martyred, and 13 people injured, including a civilian, officials confirmed.
The security forces and police personnel fought back courageously, killing five terrorists and preventing what could have been a much larger tragedy, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The attack began around 8:30pm, when the terrorists tried to enter through the gate of the training school, an attempt that was foiled by the forces. The terrorists then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate in desperation, ISPR maintained.
Swift response from the security forces thwarted their entry and initiated a fierce exchange of fire that lasted several hours. According to ISPR, three terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire, while two were gunned down by security forces in the clearance operation.
Swift response and prolonged operation
The operation continued late into the night, with police and army personnel jointly engaging the attackers in a coordinated counter-assault. Despite the heavy fighting, the forces managed to evacuate all recruits — more than 200 soldiers present in the training school — to safe locations before resuming the operation.
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Security officials confirmed that after several hours of intense combat, all terrorists were neutralized and the area was fully cleared.
Terrorists set fire to NADRA office and vehicles
During the chaos, the attackers also set fire to the nearby NADRA office, using it as a front to block security movement. The blaze spread quickly, destroying several vehicles parked nearby, which were burnt to ashes before the fire was brought under control.
Once the operation concluded, the NADRA office and adjoining areas were cleared, restoring full security in the vicinity.
Casualties and medical treatment
According to the police and hospital administration, seven policemen were martyred, while 13 sustained injuries in the attack. The injured personnel were shifted to the trauma center at DHQ Hospital, where they are receiving the best available medical treatment, said Hospital Director Dr. Farrukh Jamil.
However, as per ISPR, six policemen were martyred in the fierce exchange of fire, while 12 others were injured. A civilian also suffered injuries. The terrorists had attacked the training school mosque and also martyred its imam, said the army spokesman.
He added that emergency measures were implemented immediately to handle the influx of casualties, with all necessary medical resources made available to the injured officers.
Official condolences and public response
The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the inspector general of police were expected to attend the funeral prayers of the martyrs at Police Lines DI Khan, paying tribute to the fallen heroes.
Citizens of DI Khan lauded the bravery of the police and security forces, acknowledging their swift and decisive action that prevented a major catastrophe. Locals expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs and hailed the security personnel for their unwavering courage and sacrifice in the face of terror.
Area secured after operation
By late night, police and security agencies confirmed that the operation had been successfully completed, with complete security restored in the area. All terrorist hideouts in and around the vicinity were cleared, ensuring that normalcy could return after the traumatic incident.
