Dera Police demonstrated exceptional operational capability on Wednesday when they pursued, tracked, and encircled a group of terrorists responsible for the deadly IED attack on a police van in Paniala earlier in the day. The swift counter‑action resulted in two terrorists killed and two injured, sending a clear message that militants will find no refuge in the district.
Immediately after the blast that claimed the lives of three policemen, including a Sub‑Inspector, police units across DI Khan were placed on high alert. Acting on rapid intelligence leads, Dera Police launched a search‑and‑strike chase, moving in coordinated formations to intercept the fleeing militants.
Officials said police teams closed in on the suspects after identifying their movement towards a rural belt near the attack site. A fierce gun battle followed, lasting several minutes, during which the terrorists were overpowered.
“We have avenged our martyred brothers. Dera Police will not allow a single terrorist to escape,” the police spokesperson stated, adding that today’s response reflects the force’s growing readiness and resolve to counter cross‑district terror mobility.
The militants, linked to Fitan al‑Khawarij, were attempting to regroup after the IED attack when police units surrounded them, blocking their exit routes and forcing the confrontation. Officials noted that Wednesday’s operation demonstrated “excellent timing, coordinated field movement, and real‑time intelligence flow.”
Two militants were killed on the spot, while two others were injured and are believed to have escaped with limited mobility. Search operations remain ongoing to capture the remaining individuals and dismantle any supporting networks.
Police officials stressed that the decisive action should serve as a warning:
“There is no hiding place for terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan. Every attack will be answered swiftly and forcefully.”
Security has been further tightened across the district, with checkpoints reinforced and additional patrols deployed to preempt retaliatory attempts. Officials reiterated that operations will continue until every member of the cell is neutralised.
