PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: Nine policemen, including three officers, were martyred after terrorists attacked a police checkpoint in Hangu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, late Wednesday night. However, security forces fought back and killed eight terrorists during the ensuing gunbattle. Several other militants also suffered injuries.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and two assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) were among the martyrs. Moreover, 28 policemen, including a DSP, sustained injuries during the attack in the Khazeena Banda area.
A senior police official said some personnel remained missing after the assault. The terrorists also targeted reinforcement teams responding to the attack. Furthermore, they opened fire on District Police Officer Tariq Habib’s vehicle. Although the vehicle was damaged, the officer escaped unharmed.
Officials Praise Police Sacrifices
Police identified the martyred officers as DSP Diyar Khan, ASI Qasid, and ASI Imtiaz. Constables Kifayat, Shaban, Sana, and other personnel also embraced martyrdom. Meanwhile, DSP Mujahid and several policemen remained under treatment.
Regional Police Officer Irfan Tariq confirmed that police eliminated eight terrorists and wounded six others during the operation. Additionally, authorities recovered the bodies of all martyred officers.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and Information Minister Shafi Jan strongly condemned the attack. They praised the courage of the police force, pledged full support for the martyrs’ families, and directed authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured.
