10 police personnel martyred, 28 injured in Hangu militant attack
K-P IG says 15 terrorists killed, several othres injured in retaliatory operation
HANGU: At least nine police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Diyar Khan, embraced martyrdom while 28 others were injured after heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the Khazina Banda police check post in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district late Wednesday night.
According to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed, the attackers used heavy weapons in an attempt to overrun the police check post. The officers stationed there put up fierce resistance and successfully defended the position despite being heavily outnumbered.
The IGP said reinforcements, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) City, were immediately dispatched to support the besieged personnel. However, the terrorists had already laid an ambush along the route, targeting the reinforcement convoy and severely damaging the lead Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
Despite the surprise attack and difficult battlefield conditions, police personnel continued fighting with determination and professionalism. During the retaliatory operation, security forces killed 15 terrorists while several others were wounded, the police chief confirmed.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed said DSP Diyar Khan was martyred during the prolonged exchange of fire along with eight other police officials. Twenty-eight police officers and personnel, including DSP Mujahid Hussain, sustained injuries and were shifted for medical treatment.
He added that intermittent firing between the terrorists and police continued in the area as additional security measures were being taken to secure the region and prevent the attackers from escaping.
Paying tribute to the fallen officers, the IGP praised the courage and sacrifice of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police, saying they fought with exceptional bravery under extremely challenging circumstances.
“The brave sons of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police stood like a wall against the terrorists and made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation,” he said.
The police chief announced that recommendations would be submitted for the department’s highest gallantry awards for the martyred personnel. He also pledged to personally visit the families of the martyrs to express condolences and meet the injured officers receiving treatment.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment to combating terrorism, Zulfiqar Hameed said the morale of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police remains high and that operations against terrorist elements across the province will continue with full determination until lasting peace is restored.