Peshawar Staff Reporter
A deadly terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Ratta Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan, was repelled by security forces on Friday, resulting in the elimination of six militants and the martyrdom of seven brave police personnel.
According to the Central Police Office, the attack was carried out by members of the outlawed extremist group, who launched a heavy assault using explosives and automatic weapons. The assailants rammed an explosive-laden truck into the main gate of the police training facility, causing a massive explosion. Following the blast, terrorists disguised in various uniforms stormed into the training center.
Police officials reported that security personnel swiftly engaged the attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted over five hours. During the exchange of fire, the militants also hurled hand grenades at the security forces. Despite the intensity of the attack, the police forces fought valiantly and neutralized all six assailants.
DPO Dera Ismail Khan Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed and RPO Syed Ashfaq Anwar were present on-site and supervised the operation. The successful joint operation was conducted by the police and security forces, during which suicide vests, explosives, and a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists.
Seven police personnel sustained injuries and were promptly shifted to the hospital. Fortunately, all trainee recruits and staff members — approximately 200 individuals — present in the training school at the time of the attack were safely evacuated to a secure location.
Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, confirmed that the area has been cleared, and a thorough search and clearance operation is still underway. He commended the leadership of the RPO and DPO in executing a successful operation and announced rewards for all officers and personnel involved in the response.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the terrorist attack and paid rich tribute to the seven martyred police officers, expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. He lauded the courage and quick response of the police, stating that their bravery thwarted a major terrorist attempt and turned the militants’ nefarious designs into dust.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have rendered unmatched sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.