The Punjab Police have claimed to have repelled another terrorist attack at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border.

Foreign terrorists launched an assault on the Lakhani border post using heavy weaponry; however, police personnel responded “promptly and bravely, forcing the attackers to retreat,” according to a police spokesperson.

Pakistan has been battling a resurgence of militant violence in its western border regions since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power in Afghanistan.

Last year saw casualties hit a six-year high, with more than 1,500 civilians, security forces and militants killed, according to the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies.

The spokesperson noted that it was the second “major attack” thwarted in the last 24 hours and the third this week. The attackers numbered between 20 to 25 and were equipped with modern weapons, including rocket launchers.

But police claimed that they utilised thermal imaging cameras to identify the terrorists and carried out an effective counterattack, “inflicting heavy losses on them.”

Operations against the terrorists would continue and the safety of the public would be ensured at all costs, they added.

On Saturday, the Punjab Police foiled an attack by “foreign terrorists” in the Dera Ghazi Khan district. There were around 15 to 20 armed terrorists who attacked the checkpoint during the pre-dawn hours.

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“Cowardly attacks by foreign terrorists cannot shake our resolve. Punjab Police will ensure the protection of the public’s lives and property at all costs,” Dera Ghazi Khan DPO Syed Ali stated said.

RPO Captain (retd) Sajjad Hassan Khan stated that the morale of the police force was “high, and every attack by terrorists will be thwarted.” He added: “We are prepared to confront terrorists in every way.”

The Punjab IGP praised the police, stating, “The brave sons of Punjab Police are continuously fighting against foreign terrorists and will not allow the enemy to enter Punjab. Every one of our personnel stands firm against terrorism, and we will not let the enemy succeed in their nefarious designs. Our forces at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border are vigilant at all times, and every possible step will be taken to protect the lives and property of the public.”