Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: At least 29 people, including 11 police personnel and 18 attackers, were killed in a deadly ambush in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, triggering heightened security concerns in the region.
According to police officials, the incident occurred in the Darbokach Jalandhar Banda area of Kohat district when a police team was returning after carrying out an operation against illegal gold mining. Armed attackers reportedly positioned themselves on nearby hilltops and opened fire on the returning convoy.
The police team was conducting the operation jointly with the local civil administration when it came under attack. Despite facing heavy gunfire, the personnel retaliated, resulting in the deaths of 18 attackers, according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
Among the 11 police personnel killed in the encounter were Deputy Superintendent of Police Haider Zaman and Sub-Inspector Mukhtiar. The exchange of fire also resulted in significant damage to security vehicles, with five police vehicles reportedly set ablaze.
Following the incident, an emergency was declared at the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital in Kohat to facilitate the treatment of casualties and manage the situation.
Provincial Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the ambush, describing it as a possible nexus between criminal groups and terrorist elements.
The incident has once again highlighted the security challenges facing law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly during operations targeting illegal activities and armed groups.
