The attack occurred in the Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan district, a region notorious for bandit activity. The police convoy was on patrol, searching for robbers who are known to operate in the area, when they were attacked.

According to a statement from the Punjab Inspector General's office, the bandits launched their assault after one of the convoy's vehicles broke down in a deserted area. "The bandits attacked the vehicles with rocket launchers after one of the vehicles in the convoy broke down," the statement said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities believe the gunmen were local robbers rather than members of an organized militant group.

Kacha, a region along the Indus River, is known for its dense hideouts used by heavily armed bandits to evade law enforcement. The area has been the site of numerous police operations targeting these criminals, who are often involved in kidnappings and other violent crimes to fund their activities.

In recent months, several police officers have been killed in similar attacks across Punjab and Sindh provinces, where bandits frequently operate in rural, forested areas.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the violence and called for "immediate and effective action" against those responsible.

This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on police in the region in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating banditry and maintaining law and order in these remote areas. (ILKHA)