Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Dera Ismail Khan district said that 10 security personnel were killed in an attack by militants on a Frontier Constabulary check post on Thursday night.
Mohammad Rauf, an official of the police control room in Dera Ismail Khan, said that the attack was carried out at Zam Check Post on Darazandah Road. This road connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Zhob city of Balochistan.
According to AFP, a senior intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the fierce exchange of fire between the attackers and the security personnel continued for about an hour, seven personnel were also injured in the attack.
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The Reuters news agency quoted two police sources as saying that the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In its statement, TTP said that this attack was revenge for the killing of one of its senior leaders, Ustad Qureshi.
The Pakistan Army said in a statement on Thursday that Qureshi was among the nine militants who were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Bajaur district, bordering Afghanistan.
Two suicide bombers were also killed in this operation.
In a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s House, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack and said that such attacks will not demoralize the security forces.
The statement said: ‘We are united and determined against terrorism and pay tribute to the sacrifices of the security forces.’
Dera Ismail Khan has been under attack by militants for some time now.
Condemnation of the Ministry of Interior
In a statement, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior said that “terrorists” attacked the Zam FC check post in the Darzanda area of Dera Ismail Khan in the dark of night with heavy weapons in which ten Frontier Constabulary men were killed.
The statement said that six of the martyred FC soldiers belonged to South Waziristan while four belonged to Kirk district. Hazrat Allah, Sepoy Mushtaq, Sepoy Abdul Samad, Sepoy Imran, Sepoy Basir and Sepoy Mehtab are included.
The Ministry has said that the injured officials have been shifted to CMH Hospital Dera Ismail Khan.
Reacting to the incident, he said that the FC is committed to ending the scourge of terrorism and establishing peace.
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Interview with Dr. Fatima Khan, Security Analyst on Recent Militant Attack in Dera Ismail Khan
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khan. The recent attack on a Frontier Constabulary check post in Dera Ismail Khan has raised significant concerns. Can you provide us with some context about the situation?
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. The attack, in which 10 security personnel were killed and several others injured, is emblematic of the ongoing instability in the region, particularly due to the actions of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This incident appears to be a direct retaliation following the killing of one of their senior leaders, Ustad Qureshi, as part of an army operation in Bajaur.
Editor: The TTP claimed responsibility for this attack. What does this reveal about their operational strategy and motivations?
Dr. Khan: The TTP has been known to adopt retaliatory tactics, especially after the loss of key leaders. Their claim of responsibility illustrates a calculated message to both their operatives and the government. By targeting security forces, they aim to undermine state authority and maintain their narrative of resistance. It also reinforces their commitment to avenge their losses.
Editor: Given the nature of this attack, what implications does it have for security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the broader region?
Dr. Khan: This incident signals potential escalation in militant activities, particularly as the TTP seeks to demonstrate their remaining influence and capability. Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may need to bolster their defenses and reassess their strategies in order to prevent further attacks. Additionally, this environment may exacerbate fears among the local populace and challenge the government’s efforts to stabilize the region.
Editor: What steps should the government or military take in response to such incidents?
Dr. Khan: A multifaceted approach is essential. This includes enhancing intelligence operations to pre-empt potential attacks, providing better protection for security personnel, and improving community engagement to gather local support against militancy. Long-term, addressing the root causes of extremism through development and education in the region is crucial.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Khan. It seems that addressing these complex issues will require a comprehensive strategy moving forward.
Dr. Khan: Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing issue.
O the government and security forces that they are still operational and willing to hit back with severe consequences. By targeting security personnel, they aim to instill fear and demonstrate their capability to strike in areas they perceive as vulnerable. This strategy often serves to boost their morale and recruit more fighters who are motivated by the narrative of defending their leadership and ideology.
Editor: Given the escalating violence, how do you see the government and military’s response evolving in the coming weeks?
Dr. Khan: In light of this attack, we can expect an intensified response from both the government and military. They may increase intelligence operations, conduct airstrikes, or deploy additional troops to the affected areas. However, an effective long-term strategy will require not just military action, but also addressing the underlying grievances that fuel extremism, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education in the tribal areas.
Editor: There have been various calls for unity against terrorism from government officials. Do you think this will have a meaningful impact in the fight against the TTP and similar groups?
Dr. Khan: While official statements emphasizing unity against terrorism are important for morale and public perception, the challenge lies in translating that unity into cohesive action. The political landscape is often fragmented, and without a unified political front that addresses regional disparities, it’s difficult to form a sustained response to the threat of groups like the TTP. The key will be consistent engagement with local communities to rebuild trust and counter extremist narratives.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for providing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the situation is complex and requires a multifaceted approach for any hope of lasting peace.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we stay informed and aware of these developments as we strive for stability in the region.
