Unidentified gunmen kidnap officers after bomb disposal operation in remote area
Police conducting investigations. Photo: (file)/Ramzan Seemab
Unidentified armed terrorists on Wednesday kidnapped seven police officials, including the officer of Sararogha Police Station, in the volatile Upper South Waziristan district.
Among the kidnapped officials were SHO Ahmad Shah and two members of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU). The others are Driver Hazrat Umar, Gunner Tariq, Gunner Kaleem, Gunner Abdullah Shah and BDU personnel Abdul Razzaq and Ibrahim.
District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said a police team accompanied by the BDU was sent to remote Partogai area in Sararogha tehsil to neutralize unexploded suspected explosive material.
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After successfully removing the explosives and completing the operation, the team was returning to the police station in an official vehicle when unidentified gunmen intercepted them, took the staff hostage and took them to an unknown location.
According to police sources, the kidnapping took place about six kilometers from the Sararogha police station. Initial reports suggest that the attackers were in ambush and attacked when the team was returning after completing their mission.
Immediately after receiving information about the incident, police and security forces launched a massive search operation in the area. Roadblocks were set up on key mountain routes and at entry and exit points to restrict the movement of the kidnappers.
“Safe recovery of the abducted personnel is our top priority,” DPO Khan said. “All available resources are being utilized for this purpose. We have also registered a formal case and investigation is underway from multiple angles.”
Read also: Second policeman kidnapped near Peshawar border
The incident sparked widespread concern among locals. Tribal elders, community leaders and civil society representatives urged the government and security agencies to take immediate and effective measures for the early and safe release of the kidnapped officers.
The kidnapping comes amid a notable rise in terrorism and lawlessness in Upper South Waziristan over the past two weeks. Several shooting incidents have been reported recently, resulting in casualties and injuries. Residents say the deteriorating security situation has increased the sense of insecurity in the area.
