A deadly Dera Ismail Khan Police Training School attack in the Ratta Kulachi area ended after a six-hour-long operation, leaving six militants dead and seven police personnel martyred. Officials confirmed that around 200 trainees and staff were safely evacuated, preventing a major catastrophe.
According to police sources, the incident began when heavily armed militants rammed an explosives-laden truck into the school’s main gate, collapsing a portion of the boundary wall. A police officer on duty was killed instantly in the explosion. Moments later, attackers wearing mixed uniforms entered the premises and opened indiscriminate fire. Another officer died in a grenade attack as intense fighting broke out between police and militants.
A joint operation by police and security forces continued for over six hours before all six attackers were neutralized. DPO Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmad confirmed the completion of the clearance operation and said explosives, suicide vests, and ammunition were recovered from the site. Thirteen others sustained injuries and were shifted to hospitals for medical care.
Authorities praised the bravery of the police personnel, noting that they fought back despite heavy gunfire and grenade attacks. DPO Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmad and RPO Syed Ashfaq Anwar personally supervised the operation at the site.
Monitoring groups reported that accounts linked to Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the militants were wearing body cameras and live-streamed parts of the assault. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) initially claimed the attack but later denied involvement.
Officials have refuted false reports on social media suggesting 50 deaths, clarifying that verified figures confirm seven police fatalities. Security forces have secured the area and are conducting search operations to ensure no remaining threat.
