Five seriously injured referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical care
The dead and injured were immediately rushed to the Hangu civil hospital following a mortar attack. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
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 Hangu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, according to officials.
According to police sources, a search operation was launched following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in Zargari and Do Ruddi Banda areas. When the police entered the scene, the attackers opened fire with small and heavy weapons. During the exchange, two mortar shells fell on civilian homes, causing casualties.
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The dead and injured were immediately taken to Hangu Civil Hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr Haleemur Rehman confirmed that six bodies and 13 injured were brought to the centre. He added that five of the injured, who were in critical condition, were referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical care.
The police cordoned off the entire area and continued their operation against the militants.
The attack sparked grief and anger among residents, who demanded greater security measures to protect civilians from the collateral effects of countermilitancy operations.
