At least 15 security personnel were martyred in a terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij militants on a police check post in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while security forces killed 12 militants in a retaliatory operation.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the martyrs include 12 soldiers, two police personnel, and one official from the Forest Department.

The ISPR said that Fitna al-Khawarij militants launched an attack on the check post, but security forces responded immediately, thwarted the assault, and killed 12 fleeing militants.

The statement added that the attackers later rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer wall of the check post, causing a powerful blast that severely damaged the facility's infrastructure.

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The ISPR further stated that a clearance operation is underway in the area to eliminate the presence of the militants.

According to the statement, counterterrorism operations will continue without interruption, and all necessary measures will be taken to completely eradicate Fitna al-Khawarij. It added that the sacrifices of the martyrs further strengthen the nation's resolve to defend the country and safeguard national security.