Dera Ismail Khan-UNS: At least 11 people have been killed and more than 30 injured after an explosion followed by gunfire at the Aman Mela checkpoint in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to police and rescue officials.
Police said the blast was followed by an exchange of fire with suspected militants. Security reinforcements, specialist bomb-disposal personnel and additional police units were deployed to the site shortly after the incident was reported.
Casualties
Security sources said those killed included six police personnel, two customs officials, two women and a two-year-old child.
More than 30 people were reportedly injured, including members of the security forces, customs personnel and civilians. Several casualties were said to be in critical condition, raising the possibility of a further increase in the death toll.
The Aman Mela checkpoint is a joint government and security facility used by personnel involved in security, customs and the monitoring of goods and vehicle movements in the area.
Emergency Response and Security Operations
Pakistan’s Rescue 1122 service said emergency teams were deployed to the scene, including six ambulances, one fire engine and more than 25 rescue personnel.
Rescue teams provided initial medical assistance to the wounded before evacuating casualties to nearby hospitals. The bodies of those killed were also recovered from the blast site.
Security forces subsequently established a cordon around the area and restricted access to the scene. Search and clearance operations were launched to identify any additional explosive devices and to determine whether further threats remained in the vicinity.
Police reported an exchange of fire with suspected militants following the explosion. Specialist bomb-disposal teams were also deployed to examine the blast site, collect forensic evidence and establish the type and mechanism of the explosive device used.
The investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the blast, the subsequent gunfire and the possible involvement of an organised militant group.
Second Major Attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a Matter of Days
The incident comes only days after a major attack in Kohat, also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on 18 September.
According to Pakistani police reports and media coverage, the Kohat attack ultimately left 23 people dead and more than 100 injured. The fatalities included 17 police personnel and six civilians.
The incident reportedly involved a vehicle-borne explosion followed by an armed assault on the old police complex and an exchange of fire with security forces.
The two incidents occurred in the same province within a relatively short period, highlighting the continuing security challenge posed by militant violence in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistani security forces continue to conduct counter-militancy and clearance operations across the province.
Prime Minister Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and injured.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to police and security personnel killed in the incident, stating that the sacrifices made by those serving in the fight against terrorism would not be in vain.
He reaffirmed the government’s stated commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining security and stability, and directed that all necessary measures be taken in response to the incident.
Shehbaz Sharif also called for the provision of appropriate medical treatment to those wounded and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
Investigation Underway
The precise circumstances of the attack, including the type of explosive device, its method of deployment and the identity of those responsible, have not yet been conclusively established.
Security agencies are continuing to secure and examine the site, collect evidence and conduct search operations in the surrounding area.
Authorities are also expected to assess whether the incident was part of a wider militant operation and whether additional security measures are required at checkpoints and other joint government-security facilities in the area.
Officials have not indicated that the investigation has reached a final conclusion, and casualty figures remain subject to change as medical authorities continue treating the injured.
Current Situation
– Location: Aman Mela checkpoint, Darazinda, Dera Ismail Khan
– Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
– Date: 26 September 2026
– Reported fatalities: 11
– Reported injured: More than 30
– Police personnel killed: 6
– Customs officials killed: 2
– Civilian women killed: 2
– Child killed: 1, aged two
– Emergency response: 6 ambulances, 1 fire engine and more than 25 Rescue 1122 personnel
– Security response: Area cordoned off; search, clearance and bomb-disposal operations underway
– Suspected perpetrators: Not conclusively identified
– Explosive device: Type and mechanism under investigation
Editorial Assessment
The report should continue to attribute casualty figures and operational details to police, security and Rescue 1122 sources until an official consolidated statement is issued.
The wording “suspected militants” is preferable to stating that “terrorists” carried out the attack unless an authoritative investigation or official statement establishes the classification and responsibility.
The reference to the Kohat incident should remain clearly separated from the Aman Mela attack.
The two incidents occurred in the same province, but the available information does not by itself establish that they were operationally connected.
Developing Story…..
