Terrorist Attack in Dera Ismail Khan: 10 Martyred
In a tragic incident, seven individuals, including two security personnel and five civilians, were martyred in a terrorist attack on the Rural Health Center (RHC) in the Kirri Shamozai area of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack occurred during the night between July 15 and 16, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR stated that the terrorists launched a cowardly assault on the RHC, indiscriminately firing upon the staff and civilians present. Among the civilians martyred were two lady health workers, a watchman, and two minors. The security forces promptly responded, engaging the terrorists in a fierce gunfight that resulted in the elimination of three assailants.
The fallen security personnel were identified as Naib Subedar Muhammad Farooq, 44, and Sepoy Muhammad Javed Iqbal, 23. The military has initiated a sanitization operation in the area to ensure no other terrorists are present.
“The perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act targeting innocent civilians, especially women and children, will be brought to justice,” the ISPR asserted in its statement, underscoring the resolve to eliminate terrorism from the region.
This attack is the second terrorist incident within 24 hours. Earlier, eight soldiers were martyred while thwarting a terrorist infiltration attempt into Bannu Cantonment. The attackers, numbering ten, were all neutralized by the security forces after they attempted to breach the cantonment’s perimeter wall using an explosive-laden vehicle.
The surge in terrorist activities has prompted Islamabad to repeatedly call on the Afghan Taliban administration in Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by banned outfits for launching attacks against Pakistan.
In response to the increasing frequency of terrorist attacks, the Pakistani government recently approved the launch of operation “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a renewed national anti-terror drive. This decision follows a series of violent incidents that have significantly impacted the country’s security landscape.
According to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) Annual Security Report, the second quarter of 2024 witnessed 380 fatalities and 220 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws due to 240 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan, bore the brunt of these attacks, accounting for nearly 92% of all fatalities and 87% of the attacks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffered 67% of the fatalities, while Balochistan accounted for 25%.
The recent terrorist attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan. The government and security forces remain committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians. The resilience and swift response of the security forces in the face of such threats underscore their dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the region.