DG Khan border post attack foiled

25 insurgents armed with heavy weaponry forced to retreat

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Punjab Police thwarted a terrorist attack on the Lakhani border check post located on the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) border, marking the fifth such attack repelled in the region.

The late-night assault was launched by 25 to 30 insurgent terrorists armed with heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers and grenades. However, the terrorists were forced to retreat towards KPK after a strong and coordinated counterattack by law enforcement.

The attack targeted the Lakhani check post under the jurisdiction of Wahwa Police Station in Dera Ghazi Khan.

The police identified the assailants and launched an attack with machine guns and mortar fire.

The operation was led by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Captain (retd) Sajjad Hassan Khan, with backup teams from the Elite Force and Quick Response Force (QRF) under the command of District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ali.

The joint forces of Punjab Police, Elite Force, QRF, Rangers, and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) launched a robust counteroffensive, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralizing their assault.

Police officials reported that the insurgents suffered significant material losses and retreated towards KPK.

All border check posts had been on high alert prior to the incident, enabling the security forces to promptly repel the attack.

Following the retreat, Punjab Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, initiated search operations in the border areas to track down the fleeing attackers.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar commended the police team for their bravery and effective action, announcing gallantry medals, commendation certificates, and cash rewards for all personnel involved.

Earlier on November 14, attack at the inter-provincial check post Hazrat Umar Farooq (Jhangi), was repelled an attempted attack by terrorists.

The incident occurred when terrorists opened fire on a police reconnaissance drone deployed to assess their presence. In response, law enforcement engaged in a counter-offensive, forcing the attackers to retreat.

District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ali said the Hazrat Umar Farooq (Jhangi) check post, positioned at the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, is highly sensitive due to its strategic location. "This post has been targeted before," DPO Syed Ali stated.

The first major attack occurred on December 14, 2023, when Head Constable Mazhar Iqbal was martyred and Constable Ramzan sustained injuries. A second attempt was made on January 23, 2024, which was successfully thwarted by prompt police action.