11 Pakistani Security Personnel Killed In Deadly Police Post Attack Near Afghan Border

Islamabad: On Thursday, terrorists launched a major attack on security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. At least 11 security personnel were killed, while 22 others were injured in the attack targeting Khazina police post in Hangu district bordering Afghanistan. In retaliation, security forces also killed 15 terrorists. After the incident, security arrangements have been tightened in the entire area.

How did the attack happen?

According to reports, heavily armed terrorists suddenly attacked Khazina police post late in the night. After this, fierce firing continued between the two sides for about an hour. As soon as information about the attack was received, additional police force left for the spot, but on the way the terrorists ambushed them too. During this period an armoured vehicle was also damaged.

Which organisation is suspected behind the attack?

Although no terrorist organisation has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, Pakistan Police has expressed suspicion on the banned terrorist organisation Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Government of Pakistan also refers to this organisation as "Fitna al-Khawarij". In recent months, TTP has been accused of carrying out several attacks on security forces.

What action did the security forces take?

The security forces claimed to have killed 15 terrorists while carrying out a retaliatory operation. Search operation is going on in the entire area and other terrorists involved in the attack are being searched. Officials say that the situation is being continuously monitored.

What did the leaders of Pakistan say?

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have strongly condemned this terrorist attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the police is standing in the first line of fight against terrorism and the government is committed to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country.

At the same time, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also condemned the incident and sought detailed information about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He also talked about reviewing the ongoing operations against terrorism.

Why are terrorist attacks continuously increasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has long been a centre of terrorist violence. Movement of terrorists from the Afghanistan border, militant activities and continuous attacks against security forces are the biggest challenges in the region. The Pakistan government alleges that after the ceasefire ends in November 2022, TTP has increased the pace of its attacks in this area. A few days ago also, terrorists had attacked another security post in Tank district.