Dera Ismail Khan: A suicide bomber detonated explosives at the Dajal Joint Check Post, a key inter-provincial security point connecting Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Bhakkar District in Punjab, early this morning. The blast martyred two brave policemen and injured four others.
The suicide attacker has been identified as an Afghan national named Hayat Ullah son of Abdul Sammi.
He travelled from Dera Ismail Khan and attempted to enter Punjab province through the check post.
Upon being detected and challenged by security personnel, he blew himself up.
The martyred officers belong to Punjab Police.
Among the injured are one policeman and three civilians, including polio workers and a private vehicle driver. All injured individuals were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital, Bhakkar for treatment.
Immediately after the attack, Punjab Police and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police launched a joint search and clearance operation in the area. During the ongoing operation, three facilitators and accomplices of the suicide bomber linked to the network were killed in an exchange of fire, while seven additional facilitators and supporters were arrested.
Security forces continue cordon and search operations in the surrounding areas to apprehend any remaining suspects and prevent follow-up attacks.
The area remains on high alert.
No group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing so far.
Authorities are investigating possible links to banned outfits operating across the provincial boundary.
Senior police officials from both provinces have strongly condemned the cowardly attack and paid tribute to the martyred policemen, vowing that the perpetrators and their entire support networks will face full justice.
Further updates are expected as the joint operation progresses.
