A devastating terrorist attack on a security forces’ checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan’s Daraban area has resulted in the tragic loss of 23 soldiers from the Pakistan Army. The military’s media affairs wing confirmed this harrowing incident on Tuesday, highlighting the grave toll from the assault.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) detailed the sequence of events, revealing that six terrorists instigated the attack in the early hours of December 12. Despite the resilient defense mounted by security forces, the assailants resorted to a grievous tactic—ramming an explosive-laden vehicle into the checkpost, followed by a suicide bombing attempt.
The force of the resultant explosions caused the building’s collapse, leading to the heartbreaking loss of these 23 brave soldiers. However, in a commendable display of bravery, all six terrorists were neutralized during the encounter.
Efforts are ongoing in the area to eliminate any lingering terrorist threat. The ISPR emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, underscoring that the sacrifices of these soldiers further fortify the nation’s determination against this scourge.
Simultaneously, separate intelligence-based operations in Darazinda and Kulachi areas yielded significant results. In Darazinda, 17 terrorists met their end after their hideout was discovered and targeted. Additionally, in Kulachi, while two soldiers were martyred, security forces successfully neutralized four terrorists. The ISPR highlighted the involvement of these eliminated terrorists in various attacks against security forces and civilians, with weapons, ammunition, and explosives seized during these crucial operations.
Attributed to Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a new faction associated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), this attack marks the deadliest single-day toll for the military in terrorist incidents this year.
This incident recalls past tragedies, including the loss of 12 soldiers in separate military operations in Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan in July.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti vehemently condemned the “terrorist attack on the police station,” expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in this appalling act of terrorism.
نگران وزیرداخلہ سرفرازاحمد بگٹی کی ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان میں پولیس اسٹیشن پر دہشت گرد حملے کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت، دہشت گرد حملے میں پولیس اہلکاروں کی شہادت پر گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار، شہید ہونے والے پولیس اہلکاروں کے بلند درجات کے لیے دعا گو ہیں
— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) December 12, 2023
