Terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on civilians during a village volleyball tournament in Tank district on Friday evening, injuring at least four people and spreading panic among hundreds of spectators in yet another attack targeting unarmed civilians in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to police, the incident occurred in the village of Nandor, where a local volleyball tournament was underway with a large number of residents, including elders and young people, in attendance. Armed terrorists suddenly opened fire on the gathering, forcing spectators and players to flee in panic as gunshots echoed across the venue.
Police officials confirmed that at least four civilians sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities said reports suggesting additional casualties were being verified and no official confirmation regarding fatalities had been issued by the time this report was filed.
Security personnel and police rushed to the area shortly after the attack, cordoning off the scene and launching a search operation to trace the fleeing attackers. Investigators are collecting evidence while intelligence agencies are working to determine the identity and affiliation of the assailants.
The attack underscores the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region, which have increasingly targeted not only security installations but also public gatherings intended for recreation and community engagement. Security analysts note that such attacks are designed to spread fear among local populations, disrupt normal social life and undermine public confidence.
The latest incident comes amid an intensified counterterrorism campaign across southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Only recently, security forces foiled a major suicide attack on the Joint Police Check Post in Tank’s Manjikhel area, where the attackers attempted to breach the facility using an explosive-laden vehicle. The subsequent security operation resulted in the elimination of multiple terrorists and remains part of continuing clearance operations in the district.
At the same time, security forces and law enforcement agencies have been conducting sustained intelligence-based operations in neighboring Bannu district, where numerous terrorists have been eliminated in recent days and search operations continue to dismantle militant networks and prevent further attacks.
Authorities have reiterated that counterterrorism operations will continue across the affected districts to deny terrorist groups the ability to regroup or target civilians and security personnel alike. Meanwhile, police have appealed to residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
