In a devastating attack, six police personnel lost their lives when an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted an armored police vehicle in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incident unfolded in the Tank district, specifically under the jurisdiction of Gomal Police Station, as the vehicle was en route to Tank from the station.
The explosion was of such ferocity that it left the armored personnel carrier (APC) severely damaged. Eyewitnesses described a massive fireball engulfing the vehicle, underscoring the sophistication of the attackers. The bodies of the fallen officers were swiftly transported to the Tank District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed profound grief and outrage over the incident. In a strongly worded statement, he demanded an immediate report from top police officials and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Kundi urged the PTI government to implement concrete measures to restore peace in the province, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security protocols.
No group has claimed responsibility for the blast as yet, but the region’s history of militancy points to possible involvement of terrorist outfits active in northwestern Pakistan. This attack comes amid a surge in violence, following recent incidents where unknown assailants gunned down four policemen in Lucky Marwat and Bannu districts just a week prior. In one such episode in Sarai Naurang, motorcycle-borne militants targeted traffic police, killing three on the spot.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a thorough investigation to track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police reported neutralizing eight terrorists in joint operations with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) across Bannu, Khyber, and Zahir Garhi tribal districts on Sunday. These operations targeted militants implicated in previous assaults on security personnel, signaling an ongoing counter-insurgency drive.
The persistent targeting of law enforcement underscores the precarious security situation in Pakistan’s border regions, where militant groups continue to pose a formidable threat despite repeated military offensives. As investigations continue, questions loom large over the effectiveness of current strategies to safeguard frontline defenders.
