Effective terror attacks creating maximum carnage in K-P

Though incidents are fewer in number, casualty figures see marked increase in 2016

PESHAWAR: While there may have been an overall decline in the number of terrorist attacks across K-P in 2016, casualties saw an alarming rise, showing that militants were using more effective means of creating carnage.

When it comes to “terror” attacks, there were 79 cases reported in the province in 2016 up till June 6. This compared to 120 cases at the corresponding period in 2015.



Data obtained by The Express Tribune showed that 28 IED attacks, 10 hand grenade attacks, three suicide attacks and 38 firing incidents were reported in 2016 up till June 6. This indicated a significant decrease of 34% compared to last year.

Casualty figures jumped up considerably compared to the same time in 2015, despite the decline in the total number of attacks. This showed tactics used by the terrorists were now deadlier than ever.

In the 79 terrorist attacks this year, 29 policemen, three Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel, an army man and 63 civilians had been killed. The total figure showed a 63% increase in the total number of deaths due to such attacks. At least 96 people were killed in 2016 up till this point, compared to 59 by June of 2015.



This year 44 policemen have been injured in the attacks along with 174 civilians, totalling at 218 injured. Last year, 141 people were injured in terrorists attacks. These figures showed an overall increase of 55% in the number of the injured.

Most of the policemen killed this year fell victim to targeted attacks. Talking to The Express Tribune, a police official said terrorists opted for target killing as it was easier than going after entire buildings.

“Previously, they attacked police stations or other buildings. Now, we have tightened security so they have started targeting individual officers who are on their way to work or going about their daily routine,” he said. The official added this also indicated terrorists were going after easier or softer targets as compared to the past. In days gone by, the militants were brazen enough to go after well-defended targets.



Another police official told The Express Tribune the war on terror was far from over despite the expectations of the common man who wants to see an end to the bloodshed of the last decade.



“Terrorists are constantly changing their targets and tactics. They are targeting police to bring their morale down,” he said. The policeman added the militants adopted a new strategy of luring officers to the site of an explosion by detonating a device. Once police and media reach the place, another explosive device is detonated to create maximum damage.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2016.