Two people, including a soldier of the Frontier Corps (FC), were martyred when militants opened fire near Daraban Bazaar in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan on Monday, officials said.
According to local security sources, the incident occurred close to the busy Daraban market when FC soldier Tanveer Ahmed, who was posted at the Darazanda Post of the 81 Tanoli Platoon, had arrived in the market to purchase supplies.
While he was in the bazaar, unidentified assailants opened fire on him at close range. As a result, Sepoy Tanveer Ahmed embraced martyrdom on the spot. A civilian present in the area was also martyred during the firing.
Another FC personnel sustained injuries in the attack and was shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment, where he is said to be in stable condition.
Security forces and local police rushed to the scene soon after the incident, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the attackers, who managed to flee.
Officials said preliminary assessments indicate that the assault may have been a targeted attack on security personnel. The Daraban and Darazanda belt of Dera Ismail Khan has witnessed sporadic militant activity in recent months due to its proximity to the tribal districts.
Authorities shifted the bodies to a hospital for medico-legal formalities, while investigations into the attack are underway.
