DERA GHAZI KHAN: Two suspects were killed and as many policemen were injured as the Punjab Police foiled an alleged terrorist attack in Taunsa Sharif.

The terrorists, heavily armed with hand grenades and other weapons, attempted to carry out an attack but were met with strong resistance from police, claimed a press release.

During the exchange of fire, Wahowa Police Station SHO Sadiq Birmani sustained a wound in his arm while Constable Muzammil Nazir was shot in his hand. Both were shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Taunsa.

The incident occurred as the Punjab Police were on high alert following intelligence reports on the entry of terrorists into Punjab with an intention to attack the police stations and sensitive locations. The terrorists, riding motorcycles, launched an attack on the police in the Wahowa area but the officers, equipped with armored vehicles and protective gear, promptly retaliated.

The backup teams from the police and Elite Force arrived swiftly and after a fierce fight, two militants were killed.

The alleged militants could not be identified. The exchange also resulted in damage to a bulletproof vehicle due to grenade explosions and gunfire.

The incident took place two days after a police van was attacked with rockets, resulting in the deaths of over 12 policemen and multiple injuries to others in Rahim Yar Khan.

RPO Dera Ghazi Khan retired Capt Sajjad Hasan Khan and DPO Syed Ali visited the site and inquired after the injured officer in the hospital.

A news channel reported that four attempts by militants to attack checkpoints located on the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border were also thwarted. A search and sweep operation by police and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing in the area.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2024