In a tragic incident, two police officers were martyred and three others were injured when unidentified gunmen attacked a patrolling vehicle in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The incident took place on Monday, as confirmed by an official.
Upon receiving the news, a large contingent of police officers immediately reached the crime scene. They cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for this heinous act.
In a separate incident, unknown assailants targeted a police checkpoint in Swat, injuring one officer. Upon arrival at the scene, a police team initiated a search operation within the nearby mountainous regions to locate and apprehend the attackers.
These attacks come amidst a surge in terrorism across Pakistan. In recent months, the law and order situation in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has deteriorated, with terrorist groups carrying out attacks with alarming frequency and impunity.
Since the breakdown of talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November, this militant group has intensified its attacks, specifically targeting the police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and areas bordering Afghanistan. Furthermore, insurgents in Balochistan have increased their violent activities and established connections with the outlawed TTP.
One devastating incident in January involved a powerful suicide blast in a mosque located in Peshawar Police Lines, resulting in the tragic loss of 84 lives and numerous injuries.
According to statistical data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, a think-tank based in Islamabad, January recorded one of the highest numbers of casualties since July 2018. A total of 134 people lost their lives, marking a 139% increase, while 254 individuals sustained injuries in at least 44 militant attacks conducted across the country.
This escalating wave of terrorism underscores the urgent need for strengthening security measures and effectively combating terrorist activities in Pakistan.
Additional information provided by Murad Ali Khan.