Five critically injured were referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical care
The dead and wounded were immediately shifted to Civil Hospital Hangu after a mortar shell attack. PHOTO: FILE
HANGU:
At least six civilians were killed and 13 others injured when two mortar shells fired by terrorists hit a populated area during a police search operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district on Thursday, according to officials.
According to police sources, a search operation was launched following intelligence about the presence of terrorists in Zargari and Do Ruddi Banda areas. When the police party moved in, the assailants opened fire with small and heavy weapons. During the exchange, two mortar rounds landed on civilian residences, causing casualties.
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The dead and injured were immediately taken to Civil Hospital Hangu. Chief physician Dr. Haleemur Rehman confirmed that six bodies and 13 injured people were brought to the facility. He added that five of the injured, who were in critical condition, were referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical treatment.
The police cordoned off the entire area and continued their operation against the militants.
The attack sparked grief and anger among residents, who demanded increased security measures to protect civilians from spillover effects of anti-militancy operations.
