Hangu Terror Attack Leaves Nine Police Officers Martyred as Security Forces Kill 15 Militants
A senior police officer is among those killed after militants storm a police checkpost in Hangu, while authorities say security forces repelled the assault and inflicted heavy losses on the attackers.
Security personnel respond after a deadly militant attack on a police checkpost in Hangu.
PESHAWAR: Hangu Attack claimed the lives of nine police officers, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), after heavily armed militants launched a late-night assault on the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, officials said on Wednesday.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, militants identified by the state as Fitna al Khawarij attacked the checkpost while police personnel were on duty. Officers mounted an immediate response, and reinforcements were dispatched to the area. However, the attackers ambushed the responding contingent, damaging an armoured personnel carrier during the intense exchange of fire.
More than 100 words into the operation, the Hangu Attack turned into one of the deadliest assaults on KP Police in recent months. Authorities said police personnel fought with determination and professionalism, killing 15 militants and injuring several others despite suffering heavy casualties.
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DSP Among Nine Martyred
The IG confirmed that DSP Diyar Khan was among the nine police officers martyred during the prolonged gun battle. A further 28 personnel were injured and shifted for medical treatment.
He praised the courage of the officers, saying the sacrifices of KP Police would strengthen the resolve to eliminate terrorism from every part of the province.
Second Attack Foiled in Peshawar
In a separate incident, militants also targeted a police checkpost in the Adezai area within the jurisdiction of Mattani Police Station in Peshawar.
Police officials said terrorists opened fire on the post, but officers responded swiftly, forcing the attackers to flee. No police personnel were injured in the incident.
Leaders Condemn Terror Assault
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the Hangu attack and expressed condolences to the families of the martyred officers. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan described the assault as a cowardly act and paid tribute to the fallen police personnel. He said their sacrifices for peace would never be forgotten and assured the bereaved families of full government support.
Security Challenges Persist
The attack comes amid renewed concerns over Pakistan’s security situation.
A recent assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a sharp rise in terrorist violence during May, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Earlier this week, a joint security operation in Swat’s Kabal and Matta tehsils resulted in the deaths of six suspected TTP militants, while one police officer and four members of a village defence committee were martyred.
President Briefed on Security Situation
Following the attack, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met President Asif Ali Zardari to brief him on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to the President’s Secretariat, the meeting reviewed ongoing counterterrorism operations and broader national security issues.
President Zardari paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, police and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices, reaffirming that the nation stands united in the fight against terrorism and in efforts to ensure lasting peace.
