Authorities say the coordinated attacks failed; Weapons recovered as security is beefed up across region.
KP Police. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ARCHIVE
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Baka Khel police station and Fatah Khel checkpoint early Tuesday, killing one attacker in a subsequent search operation, officials said.
According to police, the terrorists launched the attacks during sehri hours, using small arms, heavy weapons and sniper rifles. Security personnel responded immediately, engaging in intense firefights that lasted about 45 minutes in Baka Khel and about an hour in Fatah Khel, forcing the attackers to retreat.
“Both attacks were thwarted thanks to the timely and forceful response of the police,” a spokesman said.
During follow-up search operations, one terrorist was killed and authorities recovered a Kalashnikov, hand grenades and a walkie-talkie. Initial reports suggested that other attackers may have been injured.
Security has since been beefed up in the area, while search and clearance operations remain ongoing, with police and security forces on high alert.
Read: Police repel terrorist attack on Bannu checkpoint
Bannu Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan praised the response and said, “Bannu Police is fully committed to protecting the lives and property of the public. Our personnel have once again proven that they are always ready to defend the community and their area.”
He added: “We will spare no effort or sacrifice to protect the lives and properties of citizens, and operations against hostile elements will continue without interruption.”
KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Rahim also praised the dedication and bravery of the officers and announced cash rewards and commendation certificates. He said quick and decisive action by the police had thwarted the terrorists’ plans.
Authorities said another overnight attempt to attack the Fatah Khel checkpoint on Monday had also been repelled.
In Peshawar, police thwarted another attempted attack on a checkpoint that same day. According to the Warsak superintendent of police, the terrorists tried to attack the Sakhi Pul checkpoint from the Khyber tribal district.
“Staff were alert and the attack was thwarted thanks to a timely response,” he said.
