Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In the aftermath of a devastating attack in Dera Ismail Khan that claimed the lives of 23 Pakistan Army soldiers, Balochistan’s caretaker Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, has proposed a robust set of counterterrorism measures. Among these measures is the suggestion to provide the United States with “drone bases to target militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan.”
Aiming to address the growing threat of terrorism, Minister Achakzai outlined his proposals on his social media account, emphasizing the inadequacy of issuing a demarche to the Afghan government and stressing the need for more stringent measures.
The recent attack in Dera Ismail Khan, orchestrated by Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), resulted in the martyrdom of at least 23 Pakistan Army soldiers and left over 30 troops injured. The assault targeted a military compound in the Daraban area. Security forces engaged in operations in Dera Ismail Khan reported a total of 25 soldiers martyred, with six militants storming the building also meeting their demise.
In response to the attack, the TJP claimed responsibility and released a video purporting to show militants using thermal scopes against security personnel. However, security officials disputed the video’s authenticity.
Pakistan swiftly demanded immediate and verifiable actions from the Afghan government against militant outfits causing unrest in Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi stressed the urgency of the situation during a meeting with Afghan Charge d’Affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakib, calling for a comprehensive investigation and decisive action against the attackers.
Achakzai, reacting to the incident, stated that the DI Khan attack had surpassed “all national security redlines of Pakistan.” The country has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the termination of the ceasefire between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November of the previous year.
Recent incidents, such as the DI Khan attack, further highlight the security challenges faced by Pakistan. On Nov 3, a bomb blast targeted police personnel in DI Khan, resulting in five deaths and over 20 injuries. Additionally, on Oct 31, a police camp in Dera Ismail Khan was attacked, leading to the martyrdom of a policeman. Two soldiers lost their lives in an IED blast in the South Waziristan district on the same day.
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reveals a concerning 34% increase in anti-state violence last month. KP emerged as the most affected province, with 51 documented attacks causing 54 fatalities and 81 injuries. The escalating trend underscores the pressing need for comprehensive and decisive measures to address the evolving security landscape in the region.
