A rocket attack by bandits in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 policemen and injuries to seven others. The assault occurred in the Machka area on Thursday, a riverine region within Rahim Yar Khan.
According to police reports, two police vans carrying over 20 officers were caught in rainwater when the attack began. The rocket fire led to the deaths of nearly a dozen officers, with seven others injured and four still missing.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, paying tribute to the slain officers and expressing hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. He assured that the government would support the families of the deceased officers.
Bandit groups in riverine areas have long been a challenge to law enforcement in both Sindh and Punjab, despite ongoing operations aimed at their eradication. In response to this persistent issue, a National Action Plan review committee, led by Interior Minister Naqvi, had previously decided in April to initiate a joint operation by Sindh and Punjab police forces against notorious bandits in these regions.
This decision was made during a high-level meeting at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) headquarters, attended by key officials including the interior secretary, heads of Nacta and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and police chiefs from various provinces and regions.
