Four village defense committee members martyred, six terrorists killed in 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 attack on Khazeena Banda police check post in Hangu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday.
According to police, the terrorists launched an assault on the checkpoint, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security personnel.
Police spokesperson Saqib said Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Habib’s vehicle also came under fire during the operation. The vehicle was damaged, but the DPO escaped unhurt.
Read: Security forces kill 32 terrorists in KP, Balochistan operations: ISPR
The spokesperson said the bodies of the four police officers had been found.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan strongly condemned the Hangu terror attack, paying tribute to the martyred police officers and expressing solidarity with their families.
In a statement, Naqvi paid tribute to DSP Diyar Khan and the three police officers.
“The martyrs of the DSP and police personnel sacrificed their lives and foiled the nefarious designs of the khawarij,” he said.
He said police responded quickly to the attack, killing eight terrorists and foiling the assault.
“KP Police are at the forefront in the war against terrorism and I salute their unmatched sacrifices,” the Home Minister said.
CM Afridi took notice of the attack and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police.
Paying tribute to the martyrs, he asked the authorities to ensure provision of the best possible medical care to the injured.
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“The families of the martyrs will be given all possible help,” the chief minister said.
He said the sacrifices made by KP Police in the fight against terrorism were unforgettable.
“Establishing 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 the terrorists would be brought to their logical end.
Kundi also condemned the attack and expressed deep sadness over the martyrdom of the police personnel.
“The sacrifices of the martyrs are the good of the nation, and the terrorists will never succeed in realizing their evil designs,” he said.
Kundi said the sacrifices of the police and security forces were a guarantee of lasting peace.
“The entire nation stands with its security forces and police in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
Jan called the attack on the police checkpoint “an extremely cowardly act.”
“The terrorists will never succeed in achieving their nefarious goals,” he said, adding that the sacrifices of the brave officers and personnel of the KP Police in the name of peace would always be remembered.
“The provincial government shares the grief of the bereaved families in 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 forgiveness and raised the ranks of the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Five martyrs, 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, in a joint search and strike operation carried out by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and KP Police against ban-linked terrorists. Fitna al-Khawarij concluded in the upper areas of Swat, according to security officials.
Authorities said intense clashes broke out during the operation in the Shalkho Sar area, where police and security forces targeted terrorist hideouts. Several terrorists were also injured during the exchanges of fire and were reportedly evacuated by their accomplices.
Among the martyrs were elite force agent Gulfam Khan and four VDC members: Umar Hayat, son of Muhammad Sher; Gul Zeb, son of Aqal Mand; Muhammad Karim, son of Syed Ajan; and Akhtar Zeb.
Learn more: Elite Force agent martyred, five terrorists killed in Swat operation
The four VDC members belonged to Shaland Danda area under the jurisdiction of Shah Dheri police station in Swat. Officials noted that Muhammad Karim had previously been a member of the VDC and played an active role in maintaining peace in the region.
The bodies of the fallen soldiers were taken to a local hospital before being handed over to their families for burial after the completion of legal formalities.
Constable Khan’s funeral prayers were offered with full state honors at Police Lines Swat, in the presence of Malakand Commissioner Masood Ahmad, Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah, 6th Brigade Commander Brigadier Amir Jamal, Swat DPO Muhammad Umar Khan, senior police and army officers and members of the civil society.
A contingent of police presented a ceremonial salute to the fallen officer, while senior officials paid tribute to his courage, dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Malakand RPO described the police martyrs as “the true heroes of the nation”, saying 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 taken to his native village of Kohat, where he was buried.
Security authorities said surveillance and clearance operations continued in the region to ensure the full restoration of peace and prevent any resurgence of militant activities. They reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and safeguarding the region.
