At least 11 policemen were killed in an ambush by gunmen in Pakistan's Punjab province. Seven others were injured in this incident.
The attack was carried out in Kacha town of Rahim Yar Khan area of the province on Thursday (August 22). So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Police said the officers were ambushed while patrolling the desert area of Rahim Yar Khan in search of robbers. The attackers also used rocket-propelled grenades. They are believed to be robbers, not members of an armed group.
The security forces of the country often conduct raids to suppress dacoits in the southern provinces of Punjab and Sindh of Pakistan. These robbers hide in villages and forest areas. They often kidnap and demand ransom. These robbers have also attacked the police in the past few months. Several policemen were killed.
Attacks by armed groups have increased in Pakistan over the past few years. However, it is rare for a single attack to kill so many policemen. After yesterday's attack, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called for swift and effective action against those involved in a statement.
Earlier on Thursday, gunmen opened fire on a school van in Punjab. Two children were killed and six others were injured. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.