ISLAMABAD: Militants launched an overnight attack on a police station innorthwest Pakistan’s Bannu district, triggering a major security operationin which several fighters were killed, authorities said on Friday. Thisincident marks the latest in a string of assaults on security forces inKhyber Pakhtunkhwa province, highlighting the escalating militant violencein the region. The attack comes amid accusations from Islamabad that groupslike the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are operating from Afghan territory, aclaim denied by Kabul.
The assault occurred at the Ahmedzai police station, where militants openedfire, prompting an intense exchange of gunfire. Police reported thatseveral terrorists were killed and injured during the clash. A secondconfrontation erupted in the Tarkha Oba area, involving members of theHathikhel tribe, who have long resisted militant infiltration. Heavy firingensued from both sides as the tribe confronted the fleeing attackers,according to official statements.
In response, a large police contingent was dispatched under theinstructions of DIG Sajjad Khan. A search operation is currently underwayin the area to ensure no militants remain hidden. Authorities have placedthe region on high alert, tightening security measures around potentialtargets. Khan emphasized that the peace of the area would be restored atall costs, underscoring the determination of law enforcement to combat thethreat.
This attack follows a day after three policemen were killed in a drive-byshooting at a checkpoint in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlierin the week, a suicide bombing targeted the headquarters of a paramilitaryforce in Peshawar, the provincial capital, resulting in three personneldeaths. Such incidents have become near-daily occurrences in the province,which has witnessed a sharp rise in militant activities over the past twoyears.
The surge in violence has raised concerns about cross-border terrorism,with Pakistan repeatedly urging Afghanistan to curb militant safe havens.Diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors continue to simmer as attackspersist. Local communities, including tribes like Hathikhel, play a crucialrole in resisting these infiltrations, often collaborating with securityforces to maintain stability.
Read Top Stories
Experts attribute the escalation to the fallout from the Afghan Taliban’sreturn to power, which has emboldened affiliated groups in Pakistan.Efforts to negotiate peace with militants have yielded limited success,prompting calls for stronger military and intelligence operations. Thegovernment has vowed to enhance border security and intelligence sharing toprevent future assaults.
As operations continue in Bannu, residents remain on edge, hoping for aswift resolution. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced bysecurity personnel in safeguarding the volatile northwest region againstpersistent threats.
Source: www.dawn.com/news/1872784″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1872784
