23 soldiers martyred in DI Khan terror attack: ISPR
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom as a group of six terrorists attacked security forces’ post in Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.
The military’s media wing said that the attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack.
The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties. As a result, 23 brave soldiers embraced martyrdom while all six terrorists were killed.
Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve.
Consequently, twenty-seven terrorists have been killed during various operations in Dera Ismail Khan. According to ISPR, an intelligence based operation was conducted in general area Darazinda on reported presence of terrorists. During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were killed.
In another intelligence-based operation in general area Kulachi, security troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location and four terrorists were killed. However, after intense exchange of fire, two brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom.
The killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as killing of innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered during the operations, the military added.
President Dr Arif Alvi has strongly denounced the terrorist attack on security forces in Dera Ismail Khan. In a statement, the president said such cowardly acts cannot shake the resolve of our security personnel. He said sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain and commiserated with the bereaved families.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security forces. In a statement, he said the security forces cannot be demoralized by such cowardly acts. He said the entire nation salutes the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism.
Commiserating with the bereaved families, the prime minister prayed for the departed souls and directed to provide every possible medical treatment to those injured in the attack.
Caretaker federal Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow and regret over the martyrdom of the soldiers in the terrorist attack and prayed for the high status of the martyrs.
The minister said that the government stands with the families of the martyrs at the time of grief. He vowed that the terrorists can never succeed in their nefarious aims and the entire nation stands with the security forces in the war against terrorism.
Martyrs are our real heroes, their great sacrifices will not go in vain, said the minister adding that the whole world recognizes the eternal sacrifices of the security forces in the war against terrorism.