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DERA ISMAIL KHAN/MIRANSHAH:
Five police officials, including a Station House Officer (SHO), were martyred and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) along with his driver sustained critical injuries during an exchange of fire with terrorists in the limits of Panyala Police Station, Dera Ismail Khan, on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident took place in Wanda Budh area of Paharpur tehsil after police received information about the presence of terrorists in the locality.
A police group was sent to carry out an operation. The terrorists who were in ambush opened indiscriminate fire on the team. The police retaliated, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
As a result, SHO Panyala Fahim Mumtaz Khan Marwat, Constable Tauqeer, Constable Irfan, Constable Ghulam Subhani and Constable Wajahat embraced martyrdom.
DSP Paharpur Circle Hafiz Muhammad Adnan Khan and his driver Muhammad Tariq were seriously injured and shifted to Civil Hospital for medical treatment. The bodies of the martyred personnel were also taken to the hospital to complete the legal formalities.
Following the incident, security was put on high alert and a heavy contingent of police and other law enforcement forces cordoned off the area.
A search operation was underway with checkpoints set up at entry and exit points to locate the attackers.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and attributed it to ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’. In his statement, Naqvi expressed his condolences to the families of the martyred officers and praised their bravery and sacrifice.
“The brave sons of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police have achieved the highest rank of martyrdom in the line of duty,” he said. Naqvi also wished DSP Adnan a speedy recovery.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred staff.
“The provincial government will provide all possible assistance to the affected families,” he said. He further said that the KP police were on the frontline in the fight against terrorism.
“Terrorism is a common challenge for the entire country. Actions against elements hostile to peace will intensify even more in the province,” he stated.
Afridi noted that the morale of the police could not be affected by such cowardly acts. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete eradication of terrorism.
Three terrorists killed
Police foiled a major terror attack on Khoniakhel police outpost in Bannu’s Wazir sub-division on Tuesday night, killing three terrorists and injuring nine others during an exchange of fire.
According to the police, a large number of heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the police post.
Sources maintained that the terrorists attempted to lay siege and take control of the facility. However, police personnel on duty were already on high alert and responded quickly to the attack.
A shootout ensued and police returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Additional police contingents, including the Rapid Response Force and Rapid Response Force, were sent to the scene. The terrorists reportedly fled under cover of darkness.
A police statement said three terrorists were killed and nine others wounded in the operation, dealing a “significant blow” to the terror network. The deceased were identified as Commander Umar Azam alias Khidmati and Shahidullah, while the identification of the third attacker is being carried out.
A police officer suffered minor injuries during the exchange of gunfire and was said to be out of danger.
The police further claimed that in an apparent attempt to avenge the death of their associates, the terrorists also attempted to attack Ahmadzai Police Station and Fatehkhel Police Post later that night. Both attempts were frustrated.
The Bannu RPO praised the bravery and professionalism of the police personnel and announced commendation certificates and cash rewards for those involved in repelling the attack.
He reaffirmed that there is no room for terrorists in the Bannu region and vowed to continue indiscriminate actions against anti-state elements.
He added that the Bannu police are made up of brave and dedicated officers who remain ready at all times to face any threat, and expressed confidence that the region will soon be free of terrorism.
