Quetta/ Bajaur: Two separate incidents resulted in the tragic deaths of a senior police officer and a tribal elder on Friday, as reported by officials.
In Sibi, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Khalid Zaman Marri, was targeted by unidentified attackers while driving through the bustling market area. The assailants fired at his vehicle near the Chanak roundabout, leaving him critically injured with six gunshot wounds. He was immediately rushed to the Combined Military Hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
In response to the attack, the DSP’s security guard retaliated, injuring one of the attackers. Although the attackers escaped, they were later apprehended by the police near Nishtar Road and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities have stated that they are currently unable to determine the specific motive behind the attack. No organization has taken responsibility for the incident. In response, Sibi SSP Inayatullah Bangulzai mentioned that they are thoroughly examining the situation from every possible angle. The event in question led to the shooting of three suspected militants in Lakki Marwat.
A senior police official stated that DSP Marri previously held the position of SP in the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for Sibi. The individual who experienced the unfortunate incident was the older sibling of Mir Asghar Marri, who had previously served as the district mayor of Sibi.
Tribal elder killed in Bajaur
In Bajaur, a tribal elder named Malik Lal Zareef tragically lost his life in a remote-controlled bomb blast in the mountainous Barang tehsil area. This incident took place in the Asil Targaoo locale around 9:25 am. The elder was the intended target of the attack, which was executed by an explosive device placed along the road.
As Mr. Zareef, who was on foot, approached the device, it detonated, resulting in critical injuries. Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds before receiving medical attention.
The local authorities and police have initiated an investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack. In response, a search operation has been conducted by the Barang police station, but no arrests have been made yet. The police have also collected evidence from the crime scene to aid their investigation.
‘Militants’ killed in Lakki
In Lakki Marwat, three alleged militants were reportedly killed during a joint operation involving the CTD and security forces. The operation took place in a rural area based on information about the militants’ presence. A fire exchange occurred between the security forces and the militants, resulting in the death of Zubair, Faisal, and Jawad. These individuals were affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and were linked to attacks on police and security forces, target killings, and extortion.
Authorities also recovered ammunition and explosives from the militants. Following the encounter, reinforcements arrived to search for any fleeing militants, as their presence in the area poses a threat to the region’s peace.
