PESHAWAR — In a major terrorist assault, militants launched a deadly attack on the police training school in Dera Ismail Khan on Sunday. Police personnel bravely repelled the assault, killing six terrorists after hours of intense fighting, while seven police officers were martyred in the line of duty.
According to the Central Police Office, the attackers — described as members of the outlawed Khawarij group — rammed an explosives-laden truck into the gate of the Ratta Kulachi Police Training School before storming the premises disguised in various uniforms.
Police officials on duty responded swiftly and engaged the assailants in a prolonged exchange of fire. The terrorists continued to hurl hand grenades as the confrontation intensified. DPO Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed and RPO Syed Ashfaq Anwar personally supervised the operation on the ground.
Authorities confirmed that police and security forces jointly conducted a five-hour-long clearance operation, neutralizing six terrorists. Large quantities of weapons, ammunition, suicide vests, and explosive material were recovered from the scene.
Seven injured police personnel were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while all trainee recruits inside the facility were safely evacuated to secure locations.
According to DPO Dera Ismail Khan, around 200 individuals — including trainers, staff, and recruits — were present at the training school when the attack occurred.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, said the area had been cleared and a search operation was ongoing. He praised the courage of the officers who took part in the operation, announcing rewards for all personnel involved.
He also prayed for the martyrs, saying, “The sacrifices of our brave police officers will never be forgotten.”
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the terrorist attack, paying tribute to the martyred officers. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “The police have once again thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists with unmatched bravery,” he said, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had rendered “unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism.”
