12 military men among 15 martyred in terrorist attack on security check post in K-P's Tank

At least 15 security personnel and a government official were martyred after terrorists belonging to the "Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij" attacked a joint police check post in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Tank district late Thursday night, the military's media wing reported on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers attempted to breach the security of the joint check post but were repelled by security forces, who "swiftly and decisively foiled" the assault. It added troops pursued the fleeing attackers and "displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence", killed 12 terrorists during the ensuing operation.

The statement said the attackers then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the check post, causing a powerful blast that severely damaged the facility. It stated that 15 personnel embraced martyrdom in the attack, including 12 military personnel, two police officers and one government official from the Forest Department.

The ISPR said that a sanitisation operation was under way to eliminate any remaining militants in the area. "The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of 'Azm-e-Istehkam' by the security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country," the statement read.

It added that the sacrifices of the fallen personnel "further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs."

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Following the attack, Tank Deputy Commissioner Jamshed Khan imposed Section 144 across the district and announced a district-wide curfew in view of the prevailing security situation. Under the order, movement has been restricted from 6am to 6pm until further notice.

Dabara to Tank Bypass, including Boltan Abad, Gharah Patthar and Gharah Hayat, Tank Bypass–Ranwal–Manji Khel–Bhagwal road and Ranwal Adda, will remain completely closed during the restricted hours.

The notification exempts law enforcement agencies, rescue services, ambulances, fire brigade and other emergency services from the restrictions. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and avoid unnecessary travel.

Meanwhile, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of the incident and sought a report from the relevant authorities.

Condemning the attack, he described it as "a malicious act by India-backed khawarij" and expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of security personnel, saying the entire nation stood with the families of the martyrs in their grief.

Police said the clearance operation remained underway and that further details regarding the attack and any additional casualties will be released after the operation is completed.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM WEB DESK.