deadly assault targets police training centre in DI Khan
A deadly terrorist attack struck the Dera Ismail Khan Police Training Centre in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late Friday night, leaving seven policemen dead and 13 others injured. The assault, carried out by suspected members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups to security forces in the region.
Details of the attack
According to the Pakistan Army, seven to eight terrorists launched a coordinated assault at the DI Khan facility located near the South Waziristan border. The attackers attempted to breach the perimeter by ramming an explosives-laden truck into the main gate, triggering a massive explosion. The ensuing five-hour firefight claimed the lives of seven policemen; one officer died during the initial assault while six others succumbed in the exchange of fire.
Security forces reported that six terrorists were eliminated by the end of the engagement. The militants continued to hurl hand grenades during the combat. A mosque within the institute complex was targeted as well, with the Imam among the casualties.
Impact on trainees and staff
The attack occurred as roughly 200 trainees, instructors, and staff members were present at the training centre. Police officials confirmed that all trainee recruits and staff members were evacuated to secure locations to avoid further harm. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) building near the training centre was also burnt down in the attack, according to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
Security situation in the region
Authorities said the area has been completely cleared, and security forces are continuing to secure the immediate vicinity. The incident adds to a pattern of violence targeting police, security forces, and law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring regions. Pakistan’s security situation has been described by officials and observers as deteriorating, with a notable surge in terrorist activities in the third quarter of the year.
Context and implications
The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by the TTP and other extremist groups operating near the volatile border regions. Officials emphasized the importance of robust counter-terrorism measures, improved intelligence sharing, and strengthened security protocols at sensitive facilities such as police training centers. The incident will likely influence training protocols and security reviews across police academies in the country as officials reassess safety procedures and readiness to respond to coordinated attacks.
What comes next
As investigations continue, authorities will parse intelligence and search for additional cells that may be connected to the raid. The loss of seven officers, including those killed during the attack and in the subsequent exchange of fire, is likely to be mourned by communities and police across the region, while also reinforcing the resilience and resolve of security forces in combating terrorism.
