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Shangla DPO Survives IED Attack Amid Rising Terror Threats in KP
Shangla DPO Shah Hassan survives IED attack while inspecting a damaged checkpost. Police repel overnight assault by militants. KP remains on high alert amid rising terror threats.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-12
Shangla DPO Survives IED Attack Amid Rising Terror Threats in KP

District Police Officer (DPO) Shah Hassan and his convoy narrowly escaped an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on Shekolai Road on Friday. The attack occurred while the DPO was en route to inspect a checkpost that had been targeted by militants earlier.

According to DPO Shah Hassan, the roadside blast caused no injuries to police personnel but did damage a private vehicle belonging to a Special Branch official. Following the explosion, the area was swiftly cordoned off and a search operation was launched to track down the perpetrators.

The DPO added that local residents gathered at the police station in a show of solidarity, standing with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.

Earlier, a statement from the DPO’s spokesperson revealed that a group of heavily armed terrorists attacked the Shekolai police checkpost late at night, engaging in a prolonged gun battle that lasted nearly four hours. Between seven to nine officers were stationed at the checkpost and effectively retaliated, forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding mountains. Reinforcements from Aloch police station were dispatched to support the post during the assault.

In a press release, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police confirmed the foiling of the terrorist attack and identified the attackers as members of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as “Fitna Al Khawarij” by the state.

Commending the bravery of the police personnel, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed announced cash rewards and certificates of appreciation for those who stood firm during the attack.

This incident comes amid a disturbing surge in terror activities across KP and Balochistan following the collapse of the ceasefire between the TTP and the Pakistani government in November 2022.

Just a day before the Shangla attack, security forces neutralized two terrorists — including a “high-value target” — in Lower Dir’s Timergara area during an intelligence-based operation. In another operation earlier this week, nine militants were killed in Takwara.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, addressing the deteriorating security situation, reiterated that while security forces have made enormous sacrifices to restore peace, the threat of terrorism still looms large. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cohesive counter-terrorism strategies.

The provincial government, as part of its newly launched Provincial Action Plan, has compiled profiles of nearly 2,000 suspected terrorists and sympathizers to form a comprehensive database in the fight against militancy.

As police and security forces intensify operations across KP, the resilience of law enforcement officers and local communities remains crucial in confronting this renewed wave of extremism.

 
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TTP

ShanglaAttack

KPTerrorism

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