Pakistan: Deadly Suicide Attack Targets Police Station, killed at least 23 troops
The main entrance of a police station in northwest Pakistan was the target of a suicide bomber, who unleashed a horrific attack that killed at least 23 troops and wounded 30 more.
The militant group claims responsibility.
This attack, one of the worst in the area since January, was claimed by the recently founded terrorist organisation Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP).
Intense Attack Results in Multiple Casualties
According to Pakistan's army, the suicide attack, which was one of the deadliest since the beginning of the year, caused "multiple casualties." The assailant detonated an explosive-laden vehicle, causing a section of the police station to collapse. In the aftermath, six militants engaged security forces in a prolonged shootout, leading to the deaths of all attackers.
Counteractions and Insurgent Casualties
Simultaneously, the military disclosed that in the same region, separate operations resulted in the killing of 27 insurgents. The counteractions by security forces demonstrated a robust response to the coordinated assault.
Rising Death Toll and Critical Injuries
The death toll from the attack is anticipated to rise, given that some officers are in critical condition. The bodies of the 23 security forces killed have been transferred to a hospital, according to Mohammad Adnan, a senior police official.
Targeting the Daraban Police Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Attackers targeted the Daraban police station in Dera Ismail Khan, a town in the Afghan border region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Once a bastion of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the province is now seeing a disturbing upturn in violence.
Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan Claims Responsibility
The Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), believed to be an offshoot of the TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group stated that it specifically targeted officers present at the police station, asserting the deaths of 20 officers, a claim yet to be independently verified.
President's Denouncement and Resolve
Pakistan's President, Arif Alvi, condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the families of the "martyred" officers. He emphasised that the sacrifices made by the security forces would not be in vain, affirming the unwavering resolve of the country's security apparatus.
Interior Minister Denounces Terrorism
Pakistan's caretaker Interior Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, denounced the onslaught as an act of "terrorism." The statement underscored the gravity of the incident and the collective determination to combat acts of violence against security forces.
The Escalation of Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In 2024, there was a spike in violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that was characterized by several deadly militant incursions. This includes the recent attack on Dera Ismail Khan, reflecting a concerning trend of heightened militant activities in the region.
Taliban Insurgency Since 2022
The Pakistani Taliban has intensified attacks on security forces since 2022, with authorities pointing to the emboldening of insurgents who have found refuge in Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Despite being distinct groups, the TTP maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban.
Dera Ismail Khan's historical significance
Dera Ismail Khan, situated near South Waziristan, holds historical significance as a former sanctuary for militants. Following the 2014 attack on an army-run school, Pakistan's army conducted multiple operations in the region to eradicate the militant presence.
