Nine police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were martyred and 28 others injured after terrorists attacked the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu district late Wednesday night.

PESHAWAR, Jul 30 (APP): Nine police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were martyred and 28 others injured after terrorists attacked the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu district late Wednesday night.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, militants identified by authorities as Fitna al Khawarij launched the assault while police personnel were deployed at the checkpost.

The IG in a statement, said the police mounted strong resistance and reinforcements were immediately dispatched to the area. However, the attackers ambushed the incoming contingent, damaging an armoured personnel carrier during the operation.

Despite the setback, police personnel continued to engage the attackers with bravery and professionalism.

According to the police chief, police killed 15 militants and injured several others during the retaliatory operation.

The prolonged exchange of fire claimed the lives of nine policemen, including DSP Diyar Khan, while 28 personnel sustained injuries.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment, the IG said the morale of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remains high and vowed that operations against militants would continue until terrorism is eliminated from every part of the province.