In a deadly ambush, unknown armed assailants attacked Levies personnel in the Daraban tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan, martyring four Levies officers and a civilian, while their vehicle was set ablaze.
According to assistant commissioner Karizat, the Khanozai Levies personnel, accompanied by a private driver, were en route to recover a stolen truck when they came under attack by unidentified gunmen.
The assailants opened fire, igniting the Levies' vehicle and killing all five occupants on board.
The officers had travelled from Pishin to DI Khan to investigate the theft and apprehend the culprits when they were targeted near the border district of Sherani. The private driver was also killed in the attack.
The bodies of the martyred Levies personnel were transported to Daraban Hospital before being sent to their native areas for burial.
The assistant commissioner confirmed that an investigation into the incident had been initiated.
The martyred Levies officers were identified as Noor Ahmed, Dawood Khan and Muhammad Rashid Khan, while the two civilians included Bilal Ahmed and the private driver.
Meanwhile, Director General of Balochistan Levies Force Abdul Ghaffar Magsi has expressed profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Levies personnel in a tragic incident in Daraban.
Speaking about the cowardly terrorist attack, Magsi strongly condemned the assault and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
"We will account for every drop of blood shed by our martyrs," he said. He further stressed that the fight against terrorists would continue relentlessly to crush all terrorist elements.
The DG said, "We will hunt down these terrorists and ensure they face the consequences for their actions."
Magsi also highlighted the significant role of Levies forces in maintaining peace in Balochistan, adding that their dedication to safeguarding the region was crucial.
"Levies play a vital role in ensuring peace and security in Balochistan," he added.
Magsi affirmed that Levies and other security forces were united in their mission to maintain law and order. "Levies, along with other security forces, are all on the same page when it comes to upholding peace and security in Balochistan," he said.
With input from our Quetta correspondent
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