At least 11 people, including six police personnel, two customs officials, two women and a two-year-old child, were martyred in a suicide attack targeting the Darazinda Customs Checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan, while around 30 civilians were injured.
According to preliminary reports, the suspected suicide bomber was driving a tractor-trolley when the vehicle was used in the attack. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
According to sources, the explosion occurred at the anti-smuggling Aman Mela Police Checkpost on the DI Khan-Quetta Road. Sources said a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) was rammed into the anti-smuggling checkpost, triggering a powerful blast. More than 30 people, including police personnel, customs officials and civilians, were injured in the blast. Sources said some of the injured are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.
Sources described the attack on the anti-smuggling checkpost as evidence of alleged links between terrorist and criminal elements, including smugglers.
On the other hand, political opponents have criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over its policy toward militant groups, alleging that the provincial administration has opposed or questioned military operations against them. They have called on the provincial government to take stronger measures against militancy and protect civilians, police and security forces.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence has repeatedly targeted both security personnel and civilians.
A suicide bomber in a suspected explosive-laden vehicle targeted the Aman Mela police check post in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan. Initial reports suggest that the vehicle was used as a car bomb in the attack.
There are fears of civilian casualties, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed. According to preliminary reports, the attack took place in a populated area, with the Aman Mela police check post specifically targeted.
Once again, the terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij has targeted a populated civilian area, putting innocent people at risk. Critics have questioned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s response to the ongoing fight against militant groups, while accusing the KP Chief Minister of failing to adequately support the province’s police, armed forces and civilians.
Public and political circles are raising serious questions about the whereabouts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the Chief Minister at a time when the province is facing severe unrest, with militant groups continuing to target civilians, police personnel and security forces.