Kabul, 13 December, 2023 (GNP): The Interim Afghan Government has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) while refuting blame for every issue directed towards Kabul.
In the early hours of Tuesday, militants affiliated with Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) targeted a military compound in DI Khan’s Daraban area, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 23 Pakistan Army soldiers and leaving over 30 others wounded.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that a group of six militants attempted to breach a security post but were thwarted. Subsequent blasts ensued as militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate and executed a subsequent suicide bombing, leading to a building collapse and numerous casualties. All assailants were neutralized during the incident.
While TJP claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a purported video, security officials dismissed its authenticity. A TJP spokesman identified four bombers from different districts, challenging Pakistan’s recent assertions regarding Afghan nationals’ involvement in such attacks.
Subsequent to the assault, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) urged immediate and verifiable actions from the Afghan government against militant factions perpetuating terror in Pakistan.
Also Read: Militant attack in D.I Khan claims lives of 23 troops
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Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi pressed for a comprehensive probe and decisive action against the attackers and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders based in Afghanistan. Qazi emphasized the continuous use of Afghan soil for anti-Pakistan activities, posing a significant threat to regional peace.
Responding to queries, Zabihullah Mujahid, the interim Afghan government’s chief spokesperson, assured an investigation into the attack.
He highlighted Afghanistan’s distance from the DI Khan incident and urged Pakistan to focus on its security, asserting that Afghanistan prohibits using its soil against any country.
Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar reaffirmed the state’s determination against militants, asserting their futile attempts in a war that has already been won.
Kakar assured the resilience of the Pakistani state against terrorist elements and conveyed unwavering support to those affected by the attack.
