A devastating militant assault on a security forces compound in northwest Pakistan has left at least 23 soldiers dead and many more wounded, in one of the bloodiest attacks to target the country's military this year.
Coordinated Assault Unleashes Chaos
The attack began in the early hours of Tuesday morning when militants launched a coordinated assault on a military base in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to military officials, the assailants employed sophisticated tactics including multiple suicide bombings and intense gunfire.
"The terrorists first blasted two vehicles loaded with explosives to breach the main gate," a security official revealed. "This was followed by a sustained firefight that lasted for hours."
Heavy Casualties and Fierce Response
Pakistan's military confirmed that all six attackers were ultimately neutralised during the operation, but not before they inflicted significant casualties. The death toll among security forces stands at 23, with many more personnel suffering serious injuries.
"This represents one of the single largest losses of military lives in recent months," a defence analyst commented. "The scale and coordination suggest careful planning by the militants."
Regional Militant Groups Claim Responsibility
The Pakistani Taliban, officially known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the assault. In a statement, the group declared the attack was in retaliation for military operations against their fighters.
Security experts note that militant activity has surged in the region since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021. The porous border between the two countries has facilitated the movement of fighters and weapons.
Government Vows Strong Retaliation
Pakistani authorities have condemned the attack in the strongest terms, with senior officials promising a decisive response. The military has launched clearance operations in surrounding areas to hunt down any remaining militants.
"Our resolve to eliminate terrorism remains unshaken," a government spokesperson stated. "These sacrifices only strengthen our determination to purge this menace from our soil."
The attack has raised serious concerns about security preparedness in the region and prompted calls for enhanced counter-terrorism measures along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
