2013 Dera Ismail Khan prison attack

31°49′0″N 70°55′0″E / 31.81667°N 70.91667°E / 31.81667; 70.91667Result Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan victory
(300 prisoners freed)Belligerents Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Tehreek-e-Taliban PakistanStrength 150^[1]Casualties and losses 4 killed and 7 injured^[1] 5 killed

On 29 July 2013, terrorists attacked on Dera Ismail Khan's central prison and freed more than 240 criminals including 35 high-profile terrorists. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility of attack.^[2]

Attack

The attackers first destroyed an armoured police vehicle outside prison and threw many Hand grenades on prison's security guards.^[1] According to a police official, militants were disguised in police uniform and were firing Rocket launchers from outside of prison, he said "Militants were firing rockets at the jail and I also heard gunfire from inside the building".^[1] Residents in Dera Ismail Khan reported hearing loud blasts and gunfires.^[1] About hundred militants (who were armed with Guns, mortars, Rocket-propelled grenades and bombs) attacked the prison.^[3] Militants launched their attack with series of explosion. Militants have also launched an attack on buildings surrounding the prison, including a radio station and a hospital. A nearby house was also reportedly attacked where the militants took the residents hostage and laid an ambush for security forces’ reinforcements.^[4] While attacking, the militants were shouting " God is great" and "Long live Taliban".^[3] The attackers then entered the prison and opened fires on police officers. The police officers fired and used Tear gas in retaliation.^[5] During attack, four police officers and five attackers were killed while several injured.^[6] The militants managed to free 300 prisoners.^{[citation needed]}

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