DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A suspected suicide attack targeted the Manjhi Khel police check post on Dera Road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district on Thursday night, triggering a powerful explosion and a prolonged exchange of fire between attackers and security personnel.
According to initial reports gathered by MM News, a vehicle reportedly laden with explosives rammed into the police check post, causing a loud blast before gunfire erupted in the area.
Police said a large contingent of law enforcement personnel, security forces and rescue teams was immediately dispatched to the site. The area was cordoned off and a clearance operation was launched, which continued late into the night. Authorities also called in additional personnel and placed the area on high alert.
District Police Officer (DPO) Tank Abdul Samad said it was too early to confirm the extent of casualties or damage, adding that an assessment was still underway. He said darkness and the ongoing operation had made it difficult to accurately determine the losses, and that a clearer picture would emerge once the operation was completed in daylight.
Following the incident, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought a report from the relevant authorities and condemned the attack. In an official statement, he expressed grief over the reported deaths of security personnel and directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to those injured.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Deputy Commissioner Tank Jamshed Khan imposed Section 144 in several parts of the district.
According to an official notification, all types of traffic will remain restricted from 6am to 6pm until further orders on roads passing through Dabra, Tank Bypass, Boltonabad, Garha Pathar, Garha Hayat, Ranwal, Manjhi Khel and Bhagwal. Ranwal Bazaar will also remain closed during the same hours.
The restrictions do not apply to law enforcement agencies, rescue services, ambulances, fire brigades and other emergency services. Officials warned that violations would be dealt with under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Police said final details regarding casualties and property damage would be released after the clearance operation and damage assessment are completed.
