At least 15 people embraced martyrdom, including 12 Pakistan Army soldiers, two police officers and one government official, after terrorists launched a coordinated suicide attack on a joint police check post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district during the night between July 23 and 24, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said the terrorists attempted to overrun the check post, but alert security personnel mounted a swift and determined response, preventing them from breaching the perimeter. During the intense exchange of fire, 15 terrorists were killed, successfully foiling the assault.
According to ISPR, after failing to capture the check post, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall, triggering a powerful explosion that caused extensive structural damage.
The blast resulted in the martyrdom of 12 soldiers, two police officers and one former Forest Department government official, who were defending the post.
“The security personnel displayed unwavering courage and exceptional professionalism while repelling the terrorist attack,” the military said.
Suicide Vehicle Bomb Causes Heavy Damage
ISPR said the terrorists initially attempted to breach the security perimeter but were pushed back by the determined resistance of security forces. Unable to penetrate the defensive positions, they detonated a vehicle packed with explosives against the outer wall of the compound.
The massive explosion severely damaged the checkpost’s infrastructure but failed to achieve the terrorists’ objective of capturing the security installation.
Sanitisation Operation Continues
A sanitisation operation is underway in the surrounding area to locate and eliminate any remaining terrorists who may have escaped following the attack.
ISPR said Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue nationwide counter terrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the military’s statement said.
Recent Surge in Terrorist Attacks
The Tank attack comes amid an increase in terrorist violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Last week, security forces killed 24 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in Bannu district and adjoining areas following a series of terrorist attacks targeting police personnel.
Earlier this year, 15 police personnel were martyred in a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu, where terrorists also used an explosive-laden vehicle in an attempt to overrun the security installation.
Pakistan’s security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across the country as part of the ongoing Azm-e-Istehkam campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and preventing future attacks.
The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces remain engaged in sustained counter-terrorism operations against terrorist groups operating in the region.
