Among the dead are 11 soldiers, two police officers and a civilian, confirms a CTD official
At least 14 martyred and over a dozen others injured in suspected suicide attack on Manji Khel police check post on Tank-Dera Ismail Khan road. PHOTO: EXPRESS
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
At least 13 security personnel and one civilian were killed in a suspected suicide attack on Manji Khel police check post on Tank-Dera Ismail Khan road in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday evening, Superintendent of Police of Dera Ismail Khan Anti-Terrorism Department Iftikhar Ali Shah confirmed. The Express PK Press Club.
More than a dozen other people were injured in the attack. Authorities imposed Section 144 and a district-wide curfew while security forces continued mine clearance operations.
According to Shah, the victims included 11 soldiers, two police officers and a civilian who worked with security forces. The injured were transferred to nearby hospitals, where a state of emergency was declared.
According to initial reports, a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into the Manji Khel checkpoint, triggering a powerful explosion. Heavy gunfire then broke out between the attackers and the security forces.
Police said a large contingent of law enforcement, security forces and rescue teams arrived at the scene after the attack, cordoned off the area and launched a mine clearance operation that continued through the night and into Friday. Additional troops were deployed and security was placed on high alert.
Earlier, Tank district police officer Abdul Samad said it was not immediately possible to confirm the extent of casualties due to darkness, adding that a clearer picture would emerge once the operation was completed and the area was secured.
Read also: Two officials martyred in terrorist ambush on government vehicle in Kohat
Following the attack, Tank Deputy Commissioner Jamshed Khan imposed Section 144 across the district and announced a district-wide curfew in view of the current security situation. Under this order, movement has been restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until further notice.
From Dabara to Tank Bypass, including Boltan Abad, Gharah Patthar and Gharah Hayat, Tank Bypass – Ranwal – Manji Khel – Bhagwal and Ranwal Adda road, will remain completely closed during the restricted hours.
The notification exempts law enforcement, rescue services, ambulances, fire fighters and other emergency services from the restrictions. Authorities urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and avoid unnecessary travel.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of the incident and sought a report from the relevant authorities.
Condemning the attack, he described it as “a malicious act by an Indian-backed group”. khawarij” and expressed deep sadness over the martyrdom of the security personnel, saying the entire nation stood with the families of the martyrs in their grief.
Police said the clearance operation was continuing and further details regarding the attack and possible additional victims would be released once the operation was completed.
