15 martyred as terrorists target Tank check post; security forces kill 12 assailants

Fifteen security personnel and a government official were martyred after terrorists launched a suicide attack on a joint police check post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district, while security forces killed 12 assailants after thwarting the assault, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the attack took place on the night of July 23-24 when terrorists belonging to the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) alias Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij attempted to storm the joint police check post.

The military said security personnel mounted a swift and effective response, preventing the attackers from breaching the facility and killing 12 terrorists during the ensuing exchange of fire.

After failing to overrun the post, the terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall, causing a powerful blast that severely damaged the check post’s infrastructure.

The explosion resulted in the martyrdom of 15 personnel, including 12 soldiers, two police officials and one government official from the Forest Department.

“Their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of security forces,” the military said, adding that troops engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating 12 khwarij.

The ISPR said a sanitisation operation was underway to clear the area of any remaining terrorists, adding that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism.

“The sacrifices of our brave personnel further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and paid tribute to the martyred personnel.

He praised the security forces for their timely, courageous and professional response that foiled the assault and killed 12 attackers.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of 12 soldiers, two police officials and a Forest Department employee, the prime minister prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and extended condolences to their families.

“The government will not rest until terrorism is completely eradicated from Pakistan,” the prime minister said, reaffirming that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations with full resolve to eliminate the terrorist threat.