The Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan) region Police of Punjab are on high-alert following reports that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a new wing, named ‘Istrna’, comprising highly-trained, well-equipped and ferocious militants, to specifically target the Punjab Police personnel to make inroads into the province’s territory, Dawn reported on January 29. As per well-placed sources, at least three DG Khan check posts — Lakhani, Jhangi and Triman — situated in the tribal areas along the provincial borders, have especially become vulnerable because of the emerging threat of the new TTP wing. A senior official told Dawn that the TTP, after launching the outfit named ‘Istrna’, which is focusing on targeted attacks on Punjab’s law enforcement agencies, has increased its influence and fear among the local tribal people. He said that initially, the group comprised only 10 to 12 militants, however, some recent intelligence reports suggest that its strength has now increased to around 50.