At least 11 cops martyred in intense attack by bandits in Rahim Yar Khan

Two vehicles returning from their weekly duty in the Kacha area were attacked by rocket launchers, say police

RAHIM YAR KHAN:

At least 11 policemen were martyred and three others injured in a severe attack by bandits in the Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday.

According to Express News, the assailants targeted police vehicles with rocket launchers at the Machhka Camp 2, where officers were rotating shifts. The camp had been set up to curb the movement of bandits in the region.

Around 25 heavily armed bandits carried out the attack, destroying the police vehicles and killing 11 policemen on the spot. Three others sustained injuries.

In response, a large contingent of district police has been dispatched to the scene, led by District Police Officer Imran. Ambulances have also been called to the area.

Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar has taken notice of the incident and requested a report from the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Dera Ghazi Khan.

A Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed that two vehicles returning from their weekly duty in the Kacha area were attacked by rocket launchers.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the policemen. She offered condolences to the bereaved families and ordered an operation to recover the missing officers.

She also directed that the injured officers receive the best possible medical treatment and demanded an immediate report from the IG Police. The sacrifice of the martyred officers will always be remembered, she added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the attack on a police convoy in Rahim Yar Khan.

The prime minister expressed profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of police officers in the incident, according to a statement issued by the PM Office. He offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks and for patience and strength for their families.

He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured officers, directing that they be provided with the best possible medical care.

The prime minister ordered immediate and effective action against the attackers in the Kacha area, instructing authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.

"Police officers and personnel confront criminals and terrorists without regard for their own safety," the prime minister stated, adding, "The entire nation, including myself, pays tribute to the brave and dedicated officers and personnel of the police force."

President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the attack by bandits on a police convoy in Rahim Yar Khan, expressing his condolences to the families of the martyred officers.

Emphasising the need for a decisive crackdown on criminals in the region, the president stated that attacks on police and law enforcement agencies will not be tolerated.

President Zardari paid tribute to the martyred officers, praying for the elevation of their ranks and for the speedy recovery of the injured.

In light of the incident, the Sindh Police have been placed on high alert until further notice, as directed by the Interior Minister to the IG Sindh.

"The martyrdom of police officers in this terrorist attack on the Punjab Police convoy is both condemnable and tragic," said the Sindh Interior Minister.

The Sindh government expressed its condolences to the families of the martyrs.

"The martyrdom of our police officers will not weaken the resolve of our officers and personnel," stated Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.

"May Allah elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to their families. Ameen."

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has also strongly condemned the attack on police by bandits in Rahim Yar Khan.

Expressing his condolences to the families of the martyred police officers, CM Shah directed the Sindh IG to establish contact with Punjab Police.

"Any assistance required by Punjab Police should be provided immediately," stated the Sindh CM.

He urged the Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan police forces to plan a joint operation against the bandits.

"Praise is due to both the Punjab and Sindh police, as they have always bravely confronted terrorism and criminal elements," said CM Shah.

The Sindh government stands with the families of the martyred officers, he added.

CM Shah also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured police officers, assuring that if any medical assistance is needed, the Sindh government is ready to offer full support.