DPO Tariq Habib Khan says investigation launched, while efforts to arrest attackers intensified
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
Two suspects in police custody were killed and a police officer injured Monday after unidentified terrorists were allegedly linked to Fitna al-Khawarij opened fire on a police vehicle in Surozai area of Hangu district, according to Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Habib Khan.
The state uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The incident occurred when the suspects, arrested in a case of kidnapping, rape and murder of a minor child, were being transferred to jail after appearing in court. According to initial reports, unidentified armed assailants ambushed the investigation police vehicle near Surozai and opened fire.
As a result, the two suspects in custody – identified as Dilshad and Amanullah – were killed on the spot. The DPO said constable Safeerur Rehman was injured in the attack, while the police vehicle also suffered partial damage.
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Following the incident, a large contingent of police cordoned off the scene and launched a search and clearance operation. The injured officer was transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment. On the instructions of DPO Khan, an investigation was launched, while efforts to trace and arrest the attackers were intensified.
The KP remains a key part of the country’s counterterrorism efforts, with security forces regularly carrying out IBOs against militants. The province saw a significant increase in militant violence last year, with more than 500 attacks reported, a 50% increase from the previous year.
According to a security assessment obtained by The Express PK Press Clubthe KP recorded 1,588 terrorism-related incidents, highlighting the growing militant threat in settled and tribal districts. Despite the increase in attacks, security forces reportedly foiled 320 major strikes, while 137 police officers were killed in the line of duty.
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The report said that joint operations of KP Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies led to the arrest of 1,244 suspected militants, while 420 militants were killed in intelligence-led operations.
Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Hangu and Peshawar were among the districts worst hit by militant violence, with the report citing a series of attacks believed to have been planned and launched from across the Afghan border.
The CTD report also recorded a 56 percent increase in attacks targeting police personnel, from 327 in 2024 to 510 in 2025. During the year, security agencies conducted 2,791 search operations and identified 25 foreign militants, while extortion networks operating in Peshawar and other districts were dismantled, the report said.
