Escalating Terror Attacks in Balochistan and KP Following Jaffar Train Hijacking
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Synopsis
The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in Pakistan are facing an alarming increase in targeted terror attacks against security forces, particularly following the Jaffar train hijacking incident. Recent operations have resulted in significant casualties among militants.
Key Takeaways
- Significant rise in terror attacks in KP and Balochistan.
- Police and security forces engaged in intense confrontations with militants.
- Recent operations led to the killing of numerous terrorists.
- Multiple attacks targeted police personnel and their families.
- Recent violence follows Jaffar Express hijacking incident.
Islamabad, March 18 (NationPress) The violence-ridden provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan in Pakistan are experiencing a sharp rise in targeted terror attacks against security forces, with recent clashes and counter-terrorism efforts leading to militant casualties over the last 24 hours.
According to the latest reports, new confrontations have emerged in various regions of KP and Balochistan, in which police officers, constables, and other security personnel have been ambushed in grenade attacks and targeted assaults.
As per police sources, a policeman lost his life and another sustained injuries while at least six militants were neutralized in different assaults within the KP province.
In Bannu city of KP, armed assailants on motorcycles targeted a Lower Head Constable (LHC) while he was performing his duties on Miranshah road. The attack resulted in the death of the constable, while the assailants fled the scene.
Additionally, KP police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) commandos eliminated two terrorists during an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Bannu.
"The terrorists opened fire as police approached their hideout, leading to a gunfight that lasted for thirty minutes. The police recovered arms and ammunition and transported the bodies to a hospital," a police official stated.
In the Lakki Marwat area of KP, police thwarted a militant attack on a police station in Serai Gambila. Police sources confirmed that the assailants targeted the station with various weapons, but the officer on duty successfully repelled the attack after a fierce gunfight lasting 15 minutes.
Moreover, KP police dismantled several terrorist hideouts in the mountainous region of Kurram Par following a two-day clearance operation. This was initiated after militants attacked Dadiwala police station and Abbas Khattak police post, resulting in intense confrontations and exchanges of gunfire. One terrorist was reported killed during these clashes.
At least three more militants were killed in a shootout with security forces in the Khyber District during an IBO in the Tor Darra area.
In Khuzdar, Balochistan, five individuals sustained injuries from a grenade attack. "The grenade detonated inside a house, injuring the father of a police officer and four children of his siblings. Some sections of the house were damaged during the incident," confirmed police authorities.
It was revealed that the attack specifically targeted the residence of Qadir Sheikh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Hub city in Balochistan.
Previously, a bomb attack on a security forces convoy in Nushki district of Balochistan resulted in the deaths of at least three security personnel and two civilians.
In a separate incident, a police officer was killed, and at least six others were injured due to an explosion near an Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) vehicle in the provincial capital, Quetta.
This recent surge in attacks follows the Jaffar Express passenger train hijacking incident by members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in the Bolan pass, which led to the tragic deaths of at least 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel. Five security personnel also lost their lives during the two-day clearance operation.
