Death toll in dacoits’ rocket attack on police team in RY Khan rises to 12

The death toll in a tragic incident of a dacoits' attack on police vehicles in the Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan reached 12, while five injured policemen were admitted to the hospital.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, in addition to the casualties, four officers are reported missing.

Yesterday, 11 policemen were martyred and seven others injured when dacoits ambushed two police vehicles in the Kacha area using rocket launchers.

The policemen were returning from a 15-day duty in the Kacha area, and their vehicles were stuck in the rain when the attack took place. 

Continuous firing from the dacoits has hindered immediate rescue efforts, and a heavy police force has been called to the scene.

Before the martyrdom of the police personnel in the attack, videos went viral on social media. In the video, the police personnel's car is stuck in the water.

The dacoits first fired a rocket launcher, and then 15 to 20 dacoits opened straight fire on the policemen.

The post-mortem of the deceased policemen has been completed. The martyr's prayer will be offered in the police line today after the Jumma.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

He paid tribute to the martyred officers and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Naqvi extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs, stating, "We stand with the families of the martyrs and salute the police officers who have achieved the highest rank of martyrdom."

In response to the attack, police personnel in the Kacha area have been instructed to exercise extreme caution and wear bulletproof jackets.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed regret over the incident and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police. She also ordered the police to conduct an operation to recover the missing policemen.

Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Ameen Mengal and Inspector General of Police (IG) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar have reached Rahim Yar Khan to observe police operations in the Kacha area at the direction of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

According to the channel report, in the retaliatory action of the police, the kingpin of the dacoits involved in the attack, Shabir Shar, has been killed, and his two accomplices have been injured.

The IG Punjab visited Sheikh Zaid Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan and enquired about the health of the police personnel who were injured in the attack by dacoits last night. 

IG Usman said that the brave soldiers of the Punjab Police have always made great sacrifices for the country and the nation. He said Punjab police faced the challenges of attacks by terrorists, bandits, and evil elements on the Kacha area and border checkposts.

The IG Punjab announced that the Punjab Police will continue operations until the end of the bandits in the Kacha area.

Reporters: Asim Siddique and Ali Sahi