Late night terrorist attack on Upper Swat police post foiled: DPO

BANNU/SWAT: A terrorist attack on the Chatkekal police post near Jarogo Waterfall in Upper Swat was foiled after police personnel mounted a strong counterattack late on Sunday night, District Police Officer (DPO) Mushtaq Ahmad said. According to police, more than 12 terrorists surrounded the post and opened fire from all sides. The police personnel deployed at the post immediately retaliated with effective gunfire, forcing the attackers to retreat and flee the area. Initial reports suggest that two terrorists were injured in the exchange of fire. Security personnel have intensified surveillance in the area, while further details are being ascertained. The DPO praised the personnel deployed at the post for their prompt response and bravery, saying Swat police remained at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. “Such cowardly attacks cannot demoralise Swat Police. Our personnel know how to respond effectively to terrorist attacks,” he said. The attempted attack came a week after a suicide bombing near the Kabal Police Station in Swat district claimed 17 lives, including seven policemen. The blast took place while a protest against lawlessness was under way at the adjoining Kabal Chowk. On Friday, thousands of people from across Swat district gathered at Nishat Chowk in Mingora to condemn the suicide bombing and to reaffirm their commitment to peace in the valley. Security personnel and law enforcers have been coming under attack in KP, which continues to face terrorism. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS), security personnel deaths in KP, excluding merged districts, increased from 12 in June to 38 in July and terrorist deaths from 37 to 108, reflecting a rise by 192pc. But civilian deaths fell from 26 to seven, a decline by 73pc. One peace committee member was also killed. One terrorist killed, several suspects held in Bannu Separately, one terrorist was killed and several suspects were taken into custody during a