Terrorist attack on police station repelled in Lakki Marwat

A terrorist attack on a police station in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was successfully repelled, forcing the attackers to retreat, according to a police statement issued on Saturday.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist incidents over the past year, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

As per the police statement, an attack on the Pezo police station took place late at night but was thwarted by the prompt response of security personnel. The attackers, referred to as “Fitna Al Khawarij” by the authorities, fled under the cover of darkness.

The term “Fitna Al Khawarij” is commonly used by the state to describe the banned TTP.

The assault occurred at approximately 12:45 am, and the police responded with courage and determination, as per the official statement.

A firefight ensued, but due to the high alertness of the police personnel and their swift action, the attackers were forced to retreat without inflicting any damage.

Lakki Marwat District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Jawad Ishaq commended the police officers for their bravery and their effective response in neutralizing the threat.

The incident is part of a recent wave of terrorist attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including in Peshawar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur.

Earlier in the week, security forces had also repelled attacks on police stations and checkposts in Lakki Marwat and Peshawar.

On March 17, terrorists targeted the Gambila police station in Lakki Marwat, but the Quick Response Force (QRF) retaliated with gunfire, compelling the attackers to flee.

In another attack, unidentified individuals threw a grenade at a checkpost in Peshawar’s Malazai area on Sunday night. However, no casualties or damage were reported, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Masood Bangash.