Terrorist Attack Claims Lives of 10 Policemen in Dera Ismail Khan
Dera Ismail Khan, The Gulf Observer: In a tragic incident, at least 10 policemen were martyred in a late-night terrorist attack on the Chodhwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan on Monday. Among the victims were four members of the Elite Force, identified as ASI Kausar, Ehteram, Rafiullah, and Hameed-ul-Haq. The remaining six officers were recognized as Mohammad Aslam, Ghulam Farid, Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Idrees, Mohammad Imran, and Mansoor.
The assailants, believed to be more than 30 terrorists, initiated the attack at approximately 3 am by employing sniper fire on officers guarding the police station.
Subsequently, they penetrated the Chodhwan police station, deploying hand grenades and opening fire on the police force within the building. The exchange of gunfire endured for over two-and-a-half hours, as confirmed by Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, the provincial police chief of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Deputy Superintendent of Police in Draban, Malik Anees ul Hassan, reported that the attackers briefly seized control of the police station during the assault. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Chodhwan police station sustained injuries, but his condition was reported as stable.
In response to the attack, security forces swiftly initiated a clearance operation, involving both police officers and military personnel. Over 30 terrorists were reported to have launched the assault from three directions, intensifying the already challenging security situation in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region.
As the country gears up for upcoming elections in four days, the attack on the police station adds a layer of complexity to the security landscape. Security officials have heightened checkpoints in Dera Ismail Khan and are conducting snap-checks on routes leading to and from South Waziristan and Darazinda.
The sacrifice of these brave officers highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the region. The nation mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals and stands united against acts of terrorism, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and security of the citizens.
