Deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan: 5 security personnel killed in DI Khan and Shangla
Five security personnel were killed in two separate terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attacks took place within 24 hours, in Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) and Shangla.
In DI Khan, terrorists targeted a security vehicle with an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Zarkani area of Darban Tehsil on Tuesday. The explosion killed three soldiers, Ashfaq, Mukhtiar Wali, and Arif, and injured two others, Farzand and Sami. The injured soldiers were rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dera Ismail Khan for treatment. Following the attack, a large contingent of police and security forces launched rescue and search operations. However, the army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, did not confirm the incident.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack, calling it a conspiracy against Pakistan, Islam, and humanity. He criticized the provincial government’s inaction and expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the province. The governor also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured personnel.
The second attack occurred in Shangla, early Tuesday morning. Armed militants ambushed a police check post in Gunnagar, Chakesar Tehsil. The attackers used heavy weapons, including rocket shells and grenades. Two officers, Constable Nisar Ahmad and ASI Muhammad Hassan, were killed. Three others, Arshad Iqbal, Arshad Ali, and Rafatullah, were injured. DPO Imran Khan confirmed that the attackers suffered casualties during the retaliatory action. The injured were treated at Battagram Hospital.
Funeral prayers for the slain officers were held at Shangla Police Line, attended by local officials and senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioner Fawad Ahmad and MPA Mohammad Rashad Khan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan praised the officers’ bravery and vowed to arrest the terrorists involved.
Following the funerals, citizens in Shangla protested, demanding action to restore peace and end the wave of terrorism in the district. They warned of a sit-in if immediate steps were not taken to address the security concerns.
