6 policemen martyred, 5 terrorists killed in attack on DI Khan police training centre

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): A terrorist strike targeted the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan district on Saturday, resulting in the martyrdom of six police officials, including trainees, and leaving 13 others injured — among them 12 policemen and a civilian while the security personnel and law enforcement agencies responded swiftly, successfully thwarting the attack and killed at least five terrorists, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on night of October 10 and 11, in a cowardly terrorist attack, khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij targeted Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan District.

The assailants attempted to breach the perimeter security, however, their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) personnel deployed on duty. In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the gate.

Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, Police personnel engaged the intruders, eliminating three khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij. While cornering remaining two intruding khwarij in a building complex who were later neutralised by Security Forces in a deliberate clearance operation with precision.

In this intense exchange of fire, six brave policemen including trainees, after putting up a heroic fight, embraced Shahadat in the line of duty, while twelve Policemen and one innocent civilian also got injured.

During this heinous attack khwarij attacked the mosque inside School complex and not only desecrated the Holy Place of worship but also barbarically killed Imam Masjid; an innocent civilian who was performing the duties of Imam Masjid at school.

The military’s media wing said the sanitization operations in the area would continue and perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act will be brought to justice.

"The security forces alongside Law Enforcement Agencies (LAES) of Pakistan in step with nation remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indian sponsored terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further strengthen our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs," the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have vehemently denounced the terrorist strike carried out by Fitna-al-Khwarij on the Police Training Centre in Dera Ismail Khan.

In their separate statements, both leaders stressed that such cowardly assaults can never diminish the nation’s steadfast resolve to defeat terrorism in all its forms.

They paid homage to the six policemen who were martyred while heroically confronting the attackers, praying for the elevation of their ranks and expressing deep sympathies with the families of the fallen heroes.

President Zardari reaffirmed that the people and the security forces of Pakistan remain united in their mission to eradicate terrorism once and for all.

He praised the bravery of the personnel who laid down their lives for the safety and sovereignty of the country and commended the timely and valiant response of the police and law enforcement agencies.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also offered prayers for the swift recovery of those wounded in the incident and directed the concerned authorities to ensure they receive the best possible medical care.

He acknowledged the vital role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, noting that it has always stood at the frontline in the fight against terrorism.

The prime minister reiterated the government’s firm commitment to completely eliminate the scourge of terrorism, asserting that such cowardly actions will never deter the national spirit or weaken Pakistan’s collective resolve.

Earlier the police authorities stated that the incident occurred late Friday night when militants launched an attack on the facility, which the police successfully repelled.

According to a statement by the Dera Ismail Khan police reported that five militants were slain in a fierce confrontation that stretched over five hours.

As per the official account, the assault began late at night when members of the militant outfit Fitna al Khawarij crashed a truck filled with explosives into the entrance of the police training school in Ratta Kalachi, causing a section of the boundary wall to crumble.

The explosion resulted in the death of a police officer, after which the attackers stormed the compound, unleashing heavy gunfire and hurling grenades. Police personnel immediately fought back, engaging the militants in a prolonged firefight that continued for several hours.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed arrived at the site with a large contingent soon after learning of the attack, the statement said. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Ashfaq Anwar also reached the area, where police forces were later joined by security troops to counter the attackers.

Together, the police and security forces demonstrated extraordinary courage, successfully eliminating five militants during the operation. Authorities recovered suicide vests, explosives, and ammunition from the slain assailants. The premises were later secured, and a detailed search operation was initiated to ensure the area was fully cleared.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed praised the officers’ valor, noting that their actions once again affirmed the police force’s unwavering resolve to root out terrorism.

He announced compensation for the martyred officer and assured that their sacrifice would always be remembered. The IGP also declared special commendations and rewards for all personnel who took part in the counterterror operation.