23 soldiers martyred in DI Khan terrorist attack: ISPR

Twenty-three Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred after a group of terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in Dera Ismail Khan’s Daraban area, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six terrorists attacked the security post in the early morning hours.

“The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack”.

“The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualities; 23 brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell,” the ISPR said.

It added that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve,” the ISPR said.

Separately, 17 terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan.

“During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was busted and 17 terrorists were sent to hell,” the military’s media affairs wing said.

️The ISPR further stated that two soldiers embraced martyrdom while four more terrorists were neutralised in another IBO in the Kulachi area.

“️The killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as killing of innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered during the operations,” it added.

The attacks have elicited condemnation from political figures, journalists, and members of civil society.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the “terrorist attack on the police station” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.