12 troops among 15 martyred in Tank terror attack

Sanitisation operation under way in area President, PM hail forces for foiling assault

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

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."

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, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a joint security checkpoint in Tank district, and paid tribute to the security personnel who repelled the assault and reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to eradicate terrorism.

President Zardari lauded the security forces for successfully foiling the terrorist attack and killing 12 militants, and described their action as a demonstration of courage and professionalism. He also paid tribute to the personnel who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, prayed for the elevation of their ranks, and expressed condolences to their bereaved families, a Presidency's news release said.

"The nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave soldiers and security personnel in the fight against terrorism," the president said.

He added that terrorist elements sought to sabotage Pakistan's efforts for regional and global peace but would not be allowed to succeed in their designs. Reaffirming the state's determination, he said Pakistan would continue to advance both its peace initiatives and its campaign against terrorism with resolve.

In a separate news release, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on the joint police checkpoint in Tank district. He commended the security forces for their timely, courageous and professional response that thwarted the assault and resulted in the killing of 12 militants.

The prime minister expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of 12 Pakistan Army soldiers, two police personnel and one official of the Forest Department. He offered prayers for the departed souls and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs.

Reiterating the government's commitment to counterterrorism, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would not rest until terrorism was completely eliminated from its soil. He said the security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations with full force to rid the country of the militant threat.

 

Balochistan

Security forces killed four terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Mastung district, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.

The operation comes a day after a district and sessions judge and his security guard were killed after unidentified armed men opened fire on their vehicle on the national highway in Mastung, while an additional sessions judge and another person sustained serious injuries.

Following the attack, security forces and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area, launched a search operation and established checkpoints at various locations to apprehend the attackers

Security sources said the operation was carried out under Operation Azm in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung, where security forces conducted a successful operation against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, which is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army and other groups in the province.

Four terrorists were killed during the operation, while a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from them, the sources added. Security forces also seized motorcycles being used by the terrorists.

The security sources added that there were confirmed reports that several other terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan were injured during the operation. According to the security sources, multiple suspects involved in facilitating the terrorists were also arrested during the operation.

They said search and clearance operations remain underway in the area, while security forces continue to maintain full surveillance.

Sources further said intelligence-based operations in Khad Kocha had been intensified following recent terrorist attacks in the area, adding that operations would continue until terrorism is eliminated and peace and order are restored in the region.

(With input from News Desk)