Late night terrorist attack on Upper Swat police post foiled: DPO

A terrorist attack on the Chatkekal police post near Jarogo Waterfall in Upper Swat was thwarted late on Sunday night, according to District Police Officer Mushtaq Ahmad. More than twelve terrorists surrounded the post and initiated a barrage of fire from multiple directions. In response, the police personnel stationed at the post engaged in an effective counterattack, compelling the attackers to flee the scene.

Early reports indicate that two terrorists sustained injuries during the gunfight. To bolster security, surveillance in the area has been heightened. The DPO commended the prompt and courageous actions of the police personnel, emphasizing Swat's resilience in the face of terrorism. This incident follows a suicide bombing near the Kabal Police Station a week prior, which claimed 17 lives, including seven policemen.

Additionally, a protest against lawlessness in Kabal Chowk ended tragically with a suicide bombing on Friday. Thousands of people gathered at Nishat Chowk in Mingora to condemn the bombing and reaffirm their commitment to peace in the region. Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been increasingly targeted by terrorists.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, security personnel deaths in KP, excluding merged districts, surged from 12 in June to 38 in July, while terrorist deaths increased by 192% from 37 to 108, a 73% decline in civilian deaths from 26 to seven, including one peace committee member. In a separate operation, one terrorist was killed and several suspects were arrested during a joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu's Miryan area, resulting in the recovery of a Kalashnikov, three magazines, and a bandolier.

The Counter-Terrorism Department urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activity. Bannu district has witnessed a rise in security incidents, prompting intensified counterterrorism operations. In the previous month alone, security forces eliminated 24 terrorists in Bannu and its surrounding areas, with the number of suspected militants killed rising to 48 as of July 23.