Four members of the village defense committee were martyred, six terrorists were killed in the Swat operation
Four policemen, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), two assistant sub-inspectors and a constable, were martyred while eight terrorists were killed after the Khazeena Banda police checkpost in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district was attacked on Wednesday.
According to the police, the terrorists launched an attack on the checkpoint, triggering an intense exchange of fire between the attackers and the security personnel.
Police spokesperson Saqib said the vehicle of Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Habib also came under fire during the operation. The car was damaged, but the DPO escaped unhurt.
Read: Security forces kill 32 terrorists in KP, Balochistan operations: ISPR
The spokesman said the bodies of the four police officers were recovered.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan strongly condemned the terror attack in Hangu, paying tribute to the martyred police personnel and expressing solidarity with their families.
In a statement, Naqvi paid tribute to DSP Diyar Khan and the three policemen.
“The martyred DSP and policemen sacrificed their lives and foiled the nefarious designs of the khawarij,” he said.
He said the police responded promptly to the attack, killed eight terrorists and foiled the attack.
“The KP police are at the frontline of the war against terrorism and I pay tribute to their unparalleled sacrifices,” the home minister said.
CM Afridi took note of the attack and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police.
He paid tribute to the martyrs and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
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“All possible help will be provided to the families of the martyrs,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the sacrifices rendered by the KP Police in the fight against terrorism were unforgettable.
“The establishment of peace is our top priority and we will not allow the sacrifices of the police force to go in vain,” Afridi said, adding that the entire nation was united against terrorism and terrorists would be brought to their logical end.
Kundi also condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of police personnel.
“The victims of the martyrs are the asset of the nation and terrorists will never succeed in their evil plans,” he said.
Kundi said the sacrifices of the police and security forces were a guarantee of lasting peace.
“The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its security forces and police in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
Jan described the attack on the police checkpoint as “an extremely cowardly act”.
“Terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious aim,” he said, adding that the sacrifices of the brave officers and personnel of the KP Police for the sake of peace will always be remembered.
“The provincial government shares the grief of the bereaved families at this difficult time,” he said, adding that the families of the martyrs would not be left alone and would receive all possible support from the government.
He also prayed for the martyrs’ forgiveness and elevated ranks and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery.
Five martyred, six terrorists killed in Swat operation
Meanwhile, in Swat, a policeman and four members of the Village Defense Committee (VDC) were martyred while six terrorists were killed, as a joint search-and-strike operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and KP Police against terrorists associated with the banned. Fitna al-Khawarij entered into in the upper reaches of Swat, according to security officials.
Authorities said intense clashes broke out during the operation in the Shalkho Sar area, with police and security forces targeting terror hideouts. Several terrorists were also injured during the exchange of fire and were reportedly evacuated by their accomplices.
Among the martyred were elite force constable Gulfam Khan and four members of the VDC: Umar Hayat, son of Muhammad Sher; Gul Zeb, son of Aqal Man; Muhammad Karim, son of Syed Ajan; and Akhtar Zeb.
Read more: Elite force constable martyred, five terrorists killed in Swat operation
All four VDC members belonged to Shaland Danda area in the jurisdiction of Shah Dheri Police Station, Swat. Officials noted that Muhammad Karim had previously served as a VDC member and had played an active role in maintaining peace in the area.
The bodies of the fallen personnel were taken to a local hospital before being handed over to their families for burial after the completion of the legal formalities.
The funeral prayers for Constable Khan were offered with full state honors at Police Lines Swat and were attended by Malakand Commissioner Masood Ahmad, Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah, Commander 6 Brigade Brigadier Amir Jamal, Swat DPO Muhammad Umar Khan, senior police and army members from the civil society.
A police contingent presented a ceremonial salute to the fallen officer, while senior officials paid tribute to his courage, commitment and sacrifices in the line of duty.
Malakand RPO described police martyrs as “true heroes of the nation” and said their sacrifices for peace and security would never be forgotten and would remain a proud chapter in the country’s history.
After the funeral, Constable Khan’s body was transported to his native town of Kohat, where he was laid to rest.
Security officials said surveillance and clearance operations are continuing in the area to ensure complete restoration of peace and prevent any resurgence of militant activity. They reiterated their commitment to eliminate terrorist threats and protect the region.
