A major terror attempt was foiled in Dera Ismail Khan when terrorists belonging to the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Gandapur group, attacked a police party near Malang area within the Hathala police station jurisdiction.
According to police sources, the terrorists, affiliated with the Kharijite extremists, tried to ambush a police team returning from duty in Tikwara. However, the alert officers retaliated swiftly and effectively, forcing the attackers to retreat.
In the fierce exchange of fire, a key terrorist identified as Fatah son of Hanan was killed on the spot, while two others were reportedly injured. Fortunately, all members of the police party remained unhurt.
Following the incident, a search and strike operation was launched in the area under the leadership of District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Ahmed Shahabzada and SP Sadar, with fresh police contingents reaching the scene to track down the wounded terrorists.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, lauded the bravery and professionalism of the Dera police force. He announced rewards for the officers involved in the successful operation and reaffirmed the department’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from every corner of the province and the country.