6 days ago
Nine militants killed, three officers wounded in security operation in northwest Pakistan
PESHAWAR: A joint operation by police and security forces killed nine militants in Hangu district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, police said, after a fierce gunbattle that left three senior officials, including the district police chief and a military officer, wounded.
The operation, launched around 1 PM based on actionable intelligence about militant presence in the area, resulted in a two-hour-long firefight before the area was cleared, according to police.
Hangu has long experienced sectarian and militant unrest, including deadly suicide bombings targeting civilian areas and mosques, and Saturday's raid marked the latest in a series of operations aimed at curbing militant violence in the province.
Hangu police spokesperson Saqib Khan told Arab News reinforcements were quickly deployed to support frontline units and block any escape routes.
'During the intense exchange of fire, DPO [District Police Officer] Khalid Khan, a police inspector Nabi Khan and a senior military official sustained injuries,' he said. 'Fortunately, all three are out of danger and receiving proper medical care.'
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed commended the bravery of the officers and said he had spoken to the injured district police chief.
'He is in high spirits and recovering well,' the IGP noted in a statement.
Following the operation, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur paid tribute to the DPO and his team for their 'exemplary courage and bravery.'
'DPO Khalid Khan and his team thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists with exceptional valor and determination,' a statement quoted Gandapur as saying.
He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured personnel.
'DPO Khalid Khan led from the front and confronted the terrorists head-on, displaying remarkable bravery,' he added. 'We are proud of such fearless and courageous police officers and personnel.'
Gandapur reaffirmed the entire nation stood firmly behind its security forces in the fight against militant violence.
