Security forces thwarted a major terrorist attack on the Ratta Kulachi Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa late Friday night, killing five militants after a five-hour-long operation. Six policemen were martyred and 13 others were injured in the fierce exchange of fire.

According to officials, all trainee recruits and staff members were safely evacuated to a secure location.

The terrorists launched their attack by ramming an explosives-laden truck into the main gate of the training centre, causing a massive blast.

Immediately after the explosion, heavily armed militants wearing different uniforms stormed the premises and opened indiscriminate fire.

Police personnel put up strong resistance and quickly surrounded the attackers.

During the firefight, the militants continued throwing hand grenades, but the police responded with equal force.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Ashfaq Anwar personally supervised the operation on the ground.

After an intense five-hour battle, all six attackers were killed.

Security forces recovered suicide vests, explosives, sophisticated weapons, and ammunition from their possession.

The injured policemen were shifted to a nearby hospital.

According to the DPO, around 200 trainees, instructors, and staff members were present inside the school at the time of the assault, all of whom were safely evacuated.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said the area has been completely cleared, and a search and clearance operation is underway to eliminate any remaining threats.

Personnel from the SSG Commandos, Al Buraq Force, Elite Force, and police took part in the joint operation.

The IGP lauded the bravery and leadership of the RPO and DPO, vowing that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain.

He also announced rewards for the officers and personnel who took part in the successful operation.