RAWALPINDI: A devastating terrorist attack occurred in Dera Ismail Khan (DIK), resulting in the tragic loss of at least 23 soldiers as militants targeted a security forces post, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) report on Tuesday.
The ISPR statement revealed that a group of six terrorists attempted to breach the security forces’ post in the Daraban area, but their entry was effectively prevented. In retaliation, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, initiating a suicide bombing attack.
“In the early hours of 12 December 2023, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in the general area of Daraban. The attempt to enter the post was effectively prevented, which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack,” stated the ISPR.
The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties, with 23 soldiers embracing shahadat (martyrdom). All six terrorists were effectively engaged and neutralized.
Condemnations poured in from President Arif Alvi, Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, and Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti, expressing grief over the tragic attack. Kakar emphasized that security forces cannot be demoralized by such cowardly acts.
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DI Khan has experienced a surge in terror activities in recent weeks, with 27 terrorists eliminated in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) on the night of December 11/12. The military successfully recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives during these operations, delivering a blow to terrorists involved in attacks against security forces and innocent civilians.
Earlier, a bomb blast targeting police in the city claimed six lives and left 21 injured. The blast, suspected to involve a motorcycle rigged with explosives, inflicted casualties on both police and civilians, including victims aged between 15 to 20 years old, marking a series of tragic incidents in DI Khan.
