Rahim Yar Khan (Web Desk): The Punjab police on Friday stated that the main suspect behind the deadly rocket attack on police vans in Rahim Yar Khan's Machka area has been killed in a retaliatory operation.
According to spokesperson of Punjab Police, in retaliation to yesterday’s attack, the main suspect had been killed while five of his accomplices had been injured.
Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar confirmed to local media that both Punjab and Sindh police had launched a coordinated operation in the area, with 320 personnel from Punjab and additional forces from Sindh on the ground.
In a post on X, the Punjab police confirmed the death of the main suspect, Bashir Shar, in a retaliatory action following the attack.
"The main suspect who led the assault on our officers, Bashir Shar, has met his fate," the police statement read. The operation also resulted in injuries to five of Shar’s accomplices: Sanaullah Shar, Gada Ali, Kamlu Shar, Ramzan Shar, and Gadi,” the statement said.
At least 12 policemen were martyred and seven others injured after dacoits fired rockets at police vehicles in Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday.
According to police sources, the horrific incident occurred in Machchka, a riverine area in Sadiqabad, where two police vehicles were attacked by robbers.
The police officials said that more than 15 cops in two police mobiles were returning after finishing their duty were trapped in rainwater when bandits fired rockets at them.
Taking notice of the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Nawaz Sharif and IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar sought report from RPO Bahawalpur and DPO Rahim Yar Khan.
In a statement, Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of police personnel saying that the sacrifices of the cops will always be remembered.
She directed to provide the best medical aid to the injured police officials.