Police mobilise after deadly assault on Rahim Yar Khan officers

RAHIM YAR KHAN: A large-scale police operation is underway in Rahim Yar Khan’s Kacha area after a brutal attack on police personnel that resulted in twelve officers being killed and six others injured.

The attack occurred in the Machchka region of Kacha, where two police vehicles were ambushed by bandits while returning from their scheduled duty.

Read more: 11 police officers martyred, seven injured by bandits attack in Kacaha area

The vehicles were stuck in rainwater when bandits attacked them with rocket launchers.

“Twelve officers were killed, six others were wounded, and five were initially missing but have since been rescued,” a police spokesperson reported. “The injured are receiving treatment at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, which has declared an emergency to deal with the high number of casualties.”

Local authorities dispatched a large force to the area in response. The district police officer and the deputy commissioner of Rahim Yar Khan took charge of the situation.

The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab requested the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Dera Ghazi Khan to provide a detailed report on the attack.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz ordered a comprehensive operation to locate the missing officers and capture those responsible for the attack.

“I have instructed Interior Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal to head to Kacha and oversee the response,” Maryam said. “IG Punjab, Additional IG Special Branch, and Additional IG CTD will join him. The Home Secretary will manage the operation against the bandits.”

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and paid tribute to the fallen officers.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Naqvi said. “We will not tolerate such attacks on our law enforcement.”

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also denounced the attack. “We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the martyred officers,” Zardari remarked. “Attacks on our police forces will be met with decisive action, and a thorough investigation is underway.”

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As authorities continue to address the aftermath, efforts are being focused on restoring peace and ensuring the security of the area.