DI KHAN – At least 25 soldiers embraced martyrdom in three separate incidents of terrorism in Dera Ismail Khan, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “heightened activities” were witnessed in the district on the nights of December 11 and 12.
“Six terrorists attacked the security post in the early morning hours.
“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 causalities; twenty three brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell,” the ISPR said.
Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a new group affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack on the check-post.
Meanwhile, the ISPR said 17 terrorists were killed in a separate intelligence-based operation in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan. In this attack, two soldiers embraced martyrdom.
Whereas, four more terrorists were neutralised in another intelligence-based operation in the Kulachi area.
This is the military’s highest single-day death toll from terrorist attacks reported this year. Before this, 12 soldiers were martyred in separate military operations in the Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan in July.
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar strongly condemned the attack and said the “dedication, sacrifice and valor in the face of terror is unparalleled and a beacon of hope for our nation”.
