Pakistan militants' 'double tap' strategy turns rescue missions into deadly traps

Militant groups in Pakistan are increasingly using a "double tap" strategy to target security personnel, turning rescue operations into deadly ambushes, Dawn reported. The tactic involves an initial attack on a police or security installation, followed by a second strike aimed at reinforcements arriving at the scene.

The strategy has emerged amid a rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where repeated attacks have targeted police and military personnel. The latest incident occurred on Sunday when a suicide bomber struck outside a police station in Kabal town in Swat during an anti-terror rally, killing at least 14 people, including police personnel, and injuring 18 others.

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'Double tap' tactic aims to maximise casualties

According to Dawn, militants have refined their tactics by carrying out coordinated two-stage attacks designed to inflict maximum casualties on responding security forces.

The report said the first group attacks a police station, checkpost or other security installation, drawing officers into an initial confrontation. At the same time, another group positions itself along routes likely to be used by reinforcement teams.

As additional police or military personnel rush to assist, they are targeted through improvised explosive devices (IEDs), roadside ambushes or quadcopters capable of dropping explosives.

Dawn reported that predictable movement patterns of reinforcement teams have repeatedly made them vulnerable. Over the past three years, at least 16 police personnel, including three deputy superintendents of police (DSPs), have reportedly been killed while responding to attacks rather than during the initial assault.

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Recent attacks highlight evolving strategy

The July 29 attack in Hangu district illustrated the tactic, according to Dawn. Militants first stormed a police checkpost before targeting reinforcements sent to assist officers at the scene.

The attack left nine police personnel, including DSP Diyar Khan, dead and injured 28 others. According to the report, it was the third major incident in which the second phase of the attack resulted in the highest number of casualties.

The pattern reportedly dates back to January 2023, when DSP Sardar Hussain and two of his guards were killed in an IED blast while responding to an attack on the Sarband police station near Peshawar.

Militant violence continues to rise

The reported shift in tactics has coincided with an increase in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On July 24, at least 15 people, including 14 security personnel, were killed after Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants attacked a joint police checkpost in Tank district.

According to Pakistan's military, the attackers initially attempted to breach the facility before driving an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall, triggering a blast that severely damaged the checkpost. Security forces said 15 militants were killed during the operation, while 12 soldiers, two police personnel and a forest department official lost their lives.

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Suicide bombing in Swat raises fresh concerns

Dawn reported that Sunday's suicide bombing took place after police attempted to stop and search the attacker outside the Kabal police station.

The explosion occurred near a public demonstration where residents had gathered to protest the resurgence of militancy and demand stronger action against militant groups.

According to the report, speakers at the rally criticised authorities for failing to curb militant activity and urged the government to restore lasting peace in the valley, which had previously been cleared of insurgents through a military operation but has witnessed renewed militant activity in recent months.

Terror-related deaths more than double in July

According to Dawn, data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 154 terrorism-related deaths in July, compared with 75 in June, highlighting the worsening security situation in the province.