Pakistan vows retaliation after DI Khan atrocity

ISPR says over two dozen soldiers martyred in attacks in DI Khan; ‘27 terrorists sent to hell in various ops’

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan is contemplating a tit-for-tat response for Tuesday's terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan, the deadliest against security forces in years, sources told The Express Tribune hours after more than two dozen soldiers were martyred in the district.

If the sources are to be believed, Pakistan is likely to take some "drastic and decisive" actions against the terrorist group involved in the attack.

"Pakistan will not let go the perpetrators of this heinous attack unpunished," a source familiar with the development told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), earlier in the day, stated that a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ check post in the Daraban general area in the early hours of Tuesday.

“The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack," according to the military's media wing.

“The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties; 23 brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell,” the ISPR added.

The Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a group that only emerged on the scene in February this year, took responsibility for the DI Khan attack.

Further, the ISPR stated that the security forces killed 27 terrorists in various IBOs, conducted to contain the increased activities of terrorists in DI Khan.

"The night of Dec 11 and 12 witnessed heightened activities in Dera Ismail Khan district, wherein a total of twenty-seven terrorists were sent to hell during various operations."

The security forces conducted an IBO in the general area Darazinda on the reported presence of terrorists.

During the conduct of operation, terrorists' hideout was busted and 17 terrorists were killed.

Read: Terrorist killed in DI Khan operation: ISPR

In another IBO in the general area Kulachi, the ISPR said, the army troops effectively engaged terrorists' location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell.

“However, after the intense exchange of fire, two brave sons of the soil, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat (martyrdom).”

Observers speculate that the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) might be linked to the TJP, which was employing the strategy of utilising a hitherto unfamiliar group to mitigate potential repercussions.

The attack in DI Khan happened despite Pakistan issuing a clear warning to the Afghan Taliban last month to rein in terrorist sanctuaries.

The Afghan government was told following the Bannu attack that any future terrorist incident having links with the neighbouring country would invite a robust response from Pakistan.

Although Pakistan has kept mum over the possible options to avenge the DI Khan killings, sources said that cross-border strikes as well as drone attacks targeting the terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan are on the table.

Pakistan considers the latest attack a serious provocation and would make sure those who are behind it pay the price.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan government to take action against the TTP and its affiliates.

Hours after the attack, the foreign secretary called in the chargé d'affaires of the interim Afghan government to deliver Pakistan’s strong demarche.

Read more: At least 23 soldiers martyred in DI Khan attack: ISPR

"The attack, whose responsibility has been claimed by Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a terrorist group affiliated with the

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, resulted in multiple causalities, including shahadat of 23 security personnel," according to the Foreign Office statement.

The chargé d'affaires was asked to immediately convey to the interim Afghan government to fully investigate and take stern action against perpetrators of the recent attack, publicly condemn the terrorist incident at the highest level, take immediate verifiable actions against all terrorist groups (including their leadership) and their sanctuaries, apprehend and handover the perpetrators of the attack and the TTP leadership in Afghanistan to the government of Pakistan and take all necessary measures to deny the persistent use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan.

"Today’s terrorist attack is yet another reminder of the terrorist threat to peace and stability in the region. We must act resolutely with all our collective might to defeat this menace. On its part, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combat terrorism,'" the statement added.

Separately, the funeral prayers of the 23 brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom were offered at the DI Khan Garrison. Peshawar corps commander and a number of officers as well as residents of the area attended the funeral.