HANGU: At least 15 militants were killed and several others injured during a police operation following an attack on the Khazina Banda check post in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said.
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, militants belonging to the banned group referred to as Khawarij attacked the Khazina Banda check post with heavy weapons. Police personnel deployed at the post responded with strong resistance and defended the position against the attackers.
Following the assault, additional police forces were dispatched under the command of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) City to assist the personnel stationed at the check post. However, the reinforcement team came under attack after militants ambushed them on the way.
The attack caused significant damage to an armoured personnel carrier (APC) travelling with the police convoy. Despite difficult conditions, police officers and personnel continued the operation with courage and professional skill, engaging the attackers in an intense exchange of fire.
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The police operation resulted in the killing of 15 militants, while several others were wounded. The encounter between security forces and militants was ongoing, according to police officials.
During the prolonged clash, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Diyar Khan was martyred while fighting the attackers. A total of nine police personnel lost their lives, while 28 others, including DSP Mujahid Hussain, were injured.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed paid tribute to the sacrifices of the police personnel, saying that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police officers demonstrated exceptional courage and determination in challenging circumstances.
He said recommendations would be made for the highest national awards for the martyred personnel and added that he would personally meet the families of the fallen officers to offer condolences and visit the injured personnel.
The IGP reaffirmed that the morale of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remains high and that security forces will continue operations against militants across the province.
He said efforts to eliminate terrorism from all parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would continue with full commitment and resolve.
