Three terrorists killed, nine wounded as police foil Bannu post assault

4 cops, including SHO, martyred as armed militants attack police party inD.I.Khan

BANNU/D.I.KHAN: Three terrorists, including a commander, were killed and nine others injured when police successfully thwarted a coordinated attack on KhuniKhel police post in KhyberPakhtunkhwa’sBannu district, officials said on Wednesday.

A large number of terrorists launched an attack with heavy weapons in an attempt to seize control of the police post. The attackers attempted to encircle the post from all sides.

On the instructions of Deputy Inspector General Bannu Region Sajjad Khan and District Police Officer YasirAfridi, additional police personnel, the Quick Response Force, and Rapid Response Force reached the scene, forcing the terrorists to retreat.

Among the slain terrorists, one has been identified as commander Umar Azam alias Khazmati, while another has been identified as Shahidullah. The identification of the third is underway. During the encounter, one police officer was slightly injured but is reportedly out of danger.

To avenge the killing of their accomplices, terrorists also attempted to attack Police Station Ahmadzai and FatehKhel Police Post on Tuesday night, but personnel deployed there repelled the attacks, forcing the attackers to flee.

Meanwhile, At least four policemen, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred on Wednesday as armed militants attacked a police party during a search operation in Wanda Budh, the police spokesperson said.

According to the police spokesperson, the search operation was being conducted in the jurisdiction of ShaheedNawab police station following intelligence reports about militant presence in the area.

During the operation, militants suddenly opened fire at the police party, prompting the officers to return fire, he added.

The officers who lost their lives included SHO FaheemMumtaz, Constable Irfan Khan, Constable GhulamSubhani, and Constable Wajahat, the spokesperson said.

He also added that Paharpur Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafiz Adnan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tariq were injured in the attack.

He said that the martyrs and the wounded officers were immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, the spokesperson said, a heavy contingent of police, led by District Police Officer Sajad Ahmed Sahebzada, reached the scene and launched a search operation to apprehend the militants.

Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister SohailAfridi took notice of the incident and strongly condemned it. In a statement, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred personnel.“The provincial government will provide all possible assistance to the affected families,” he said. He further said that the KP police were at the frontline in the fight against terrorism.

He said police morale could not be dampened by such cowardly acts. CM Afridi said that a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete eradication of terrorism.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal KarimKundi expressed deep sorrow over the attack. He said he was saddened by the deaths of the police personnel and praised the bravery and sacrifice of Dera Ismail Khan police in protecting the public and the nation.

The governor also directed that all possible medical care be provided to the injured officers and prayed for their speedy recovery. Staff Report