Officials say coordinated assault prevented; weapons recovered as security tightened across the region
KP Police. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
PESHAWAR:
Police in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Baka Khel police station and Fatah Khel check post early Tuesday and killed one attacker in a subsequent search operation, officials said.
According to the police, terrorists launched the attacks during sehri hours using handguns, heavy weapons and sniper rifles. Security personnel responded immediately and engaged in intense gun battles that lasted about 45 minutes at Baka Khel and about an hour at Fatah Khel, forcing the attackers to retreat.
“Both attacks were thwarted thanks to the timely and robust 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 indicated 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 deny 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 proved 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 property of citizens and operations against hostile elements will continue without interruption.”
KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Rahim also praised the dedication and bravery of the officers, announcing cash rewards and certificates of appreciation. He said the swift and decisive action of the police had thwarted the terrorists’ plans.
Officials said a separate late-night attempt to target the Fatah Khel checkpoint on Monday had also been repulsed.
In Peshawar, police foiled another attempted attack on a checkpoint on the same day. According to Warsak police inspector, terrorists tried to target Sakhi Pul check post from the direction of Khyber tribal district.
“The personnel were alert and the attack was foiled due to a timely response,” he said.
