DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Terrorists ambushed a police team in Paniala’s Wanda Budh area on Wednesday, killing at least four officers, including Station House Officer Faheem Mumtaz. Police said the officers were returning from a search operation when militants opened fire.
Authorities launched the operation in the Shaheed Nawab police station jurisdiction after receiving intelligence about militant activity in the area. They cordoned off the region before initiating the search. However, militants hiding in nearby forests attacked the returning police team. The officers immediately returned fire, engaging in a fierce gunfight with the assailants.
Four policemen died in the attack, and police confirmed that an equal number of militants were reportedly killed during the exchange. Injured officers included Paharpur Circle Deputy Superintendent Hafiz Adnan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tariq. Police shifted both the martyrs and wounded officers to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment.
Swift Police Response and Clearance Operations
Following the attack, District Police Officer Sajad Ahmed Sahebzada quickly led a large contingent to the site. Security forces launched a clearance and search operation to capture any remaining militants. They sealed off the area and strengthened security in nearby localities to prevent further incidents.
Authorities also began recovering the bodies of slain militants from the forested region. Meanwhile, the search and clearance operations continue, with police actively working to secure the region and protect civilians.
National Leaders Condemn Terrorist Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack in strong terms. He said that eliminating terrorism sponsored from abroad remains Pakistan’s top priority. Zardari also extended prayers to the families of the martyrs and wished the injured officers a swift recovery.
Provincial Leadership Responds
Similarly, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of police personnel. He paid tribute to the fallen officers and assured full support for their families. Afridi emphasized that terrorism is a nationwide challenge. He vowed to intensify operations against hostile elements and highlighted the resilience of police morale despite such cowardly attacks. Moreover, he stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate terrorism from the province.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed grief over the incident. He lauded the courage of the officers and directed authorities to ensure full medical care for the wounded personnel.
Political Leaders and Public Tributes
Former KP Chief Minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Khan Gandapur mourned the attack. He called the officers defenders of the nation and prayed for the swift recovery of injured personnel. Additionally, he offered condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the elevation of their ranks.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and underscores the government’s commitment to counter-terrorism operations. Authorities remain vigilant, promising to safeguard public safety and ensure justice for the fallen officers.
