At least seven police officers and six fighters were killed after gunmen attacked a police training centre in the northwestern part of the country, triggering a fierce firefight that lasted for hours, officials said.
It is the latest violence to rock the area, which is the base for several armed groups, and comes as Pakistan struggles with a worsening security situation.
Friday night’s assault targeted a police training facility in Ratta Kulachi, on the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan city.
Police said the attackers used heavy weapons and tried to force their way into the base after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden truck at the gate.
“After the initial blast, the attackers managed to storm the facility, where about 200 recruits and their trainers were present,” said Dera Ismail Khan police chief Sajjad Ahmad.
The gun battle between police and fighters lasted nearly six hours. Seven police personnel were killed and 13 were injured.
Officers on duty returned fire, thwarting what officials described as an attempt to cause mass casualties.
The explosives-packed truck rammed into the training school’s main gate, triggering a blast that collapsed part of a boundary wall, killing an officer.
Moments later, fighters in uniform entered the compound and opened fire with automatic weapons, the statement said. They hurled grenades and exchanged heavy fire with security forces.
Police and paramilitary units later cleared the compound, killing six fighters and recovering suicide vests, explosives, weapons and ammunition, the statement added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the slain officers for their bravery and sacrifice.
The banned group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, initially claimed responsibility for the assault, but later denied involvement. — AP
