Attack in DI Khan: Live updates

By Web Desk

Published: January 14, 2012

Police sealed the area immediately after the incident and is now moving in. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

DI KHAN: Unidentified men attacked the DPO office in Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday.

Ramzan Seemab of Express News reported that eight to ten men had attacked the office. Intense firing and blasts were heard from the area.

Initial reports stated that the police had been informed that there was a possibility of an attack.

Police sealed the area immediately after the incident and is now moving in.

2:50pm

Security personnel have taken charge of the DPO office.

A clearance operation is currently underway.

Three terrorists have been killed in the encounter.

In November last year, two police officers were killed — including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) — and three others were injured when militants carrying rocket propelled grenades and other heavy arms attacked a police station in DI Khan.

“This police station was our target and our Mujahideens have carried out this attack,” the TTP’s main spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan, had told reporters. “We accept responsibility for the attack,” he told AFP.

2:45pm

Firing at the DPO office has stopped. There are now reports of firing from surrounding areas.

Circuit House, the PTCL office, all courts and the high court are located in the area surrounding the DPO office

2:30pm

All roads leading up to the DPO office have been sealed.

Two men were reported to have detonated themselves after they attacked the office using hand grenades.

A Taliban militant and his wife had carried out a suicide bombing on a police station in DI Khan on June 25, 2011. Around 12 policemen were killed in the attack which lasted for several hours.

2:20pm

Police and army personnel have started moving in.

Ramzan Seemab reports that another huge blast has taken place, which has damaged nearby buildings.

Two terrorists believed to be dressed in police uniforms had attacked the office.

2:15pm

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that army personnel have also arrived to assist the police.

Ambulances have also been sent, said Hussain.

Firing is still ongoing from both sides.

2:00pm

Police has so far not been able to enter the office.

Firing is still underway.

Four explosions were heard in the area.

A body lying outside is reported to be that of a suicide bomber who is believed to have detonated outside the office.