Four Village Defense Committee members martyred and 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 Khazeena Banda police check post in Hangu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was attacked on Wednesday.
According to the police, the terrorists launched an assault on the checkpoint, leading to an intense exchange of fire between the attackers and the security personnel.
Police spokesperson Saqib said the vehicle of Hangu district police officer Tariq Habib was also attacked during the operation. The vehicle sustained damage, but the DPO was unharmed.
Read: Security forces kill 32 terrorists in KP, Balochistan operations: ISPR
The spokesperson said the bodies of the four police officers were recovered.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan strongly condemned the terror attack in Hangu, paid tribute to the martyred police personnel and expressed solidarity with their families.
In a statement, Naqvi paid tributes to DSP Diyar Khan and the three police officers.
“The martyrs of the DSP and police personnel sacrificed their lives and thwarted 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 on the frontline in the war against terrorism and I commend 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 called on the authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
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“The families of the martyrs will receive all possible help,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the sacrifices made by the 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 meet their logical end.
Kundi also condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of the police personnel.
“The sacrifices of martyrs are an asset of the nation and terrorists will never succeed in 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 shoulder to shoulder with its security forces and police in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
Jan described the attack on the police checkpoint as “an extremely cowardly act.”
“Terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious objectives,” he said, adding that the sacrifices of the brave officers and personnel of KP Police for the sake of peace will always be remembered.
“The provincial government shares the pain of the bereaved families at this difficult time,” he said, adding that the families of the martyrs will not be left alone and will receive all possible support from the government.
He also prayed for the forgiveness and elevation of the martyrs and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Five martyrs and 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, as part of a joint search and strike operation carried out by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and KP Police against terrorists linked to the banned Fitna al-Khawarij According to security officials, the operations were carried out in the high areas of Swat.
Authorities said heavy clashes broke out during the operation in the Shalkho Sar area, where police and security forces attacked terrorist hideouts. Several terrorists were also injured during the exchange 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.
Read more: An Elite Force agent martyred and five terrorists killed in the Swat operation
The four VDC members belonged to Shaland Danda area in the jurisdiction of Shah Dheri Police Station, Swat. Officials noted that Muhammad Karim had been a member of the VDC and had played an active role in maintaining peace in the area.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to a local hospital before being handed over to their families for burial once legal formalities were completed.
Funeral prayers for Constable Khan were offered with full state honors at Police Lines Swat, and were attended by Malakand Commissioner Masood Ahmad, Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah, Brigade Commander 6th Brigade Amir Jamal, Swat DPO Muhammad Umar Khan, senior police and army officers, and members of civil society.
A police contingent paid a ceremonial tribute to the fallen officer, while senior officials paid tribute to his bravery, 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 will never be forgotten and will remain a proud chapter in the country’s history.
After the funeral, Constable Khan’s body was transported to his native village in Kohat, where he was buried.
Security authorities said they are continuing surveillance and clearance operations in the area to ensure the complete restoration of peace and prevent any resurgence of militant activity. They reiterated their commitment to eliminate terrorist threats and safeguard the region.
