Ten police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were martyred and 18 militants were killed in an attack by Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists following a major police operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, a joint operation was conducted by the provincial police and local civil administration against elements involved in illegal gold mining in Darabokach, near Kohat.
After completing the operation, the police party was returning when terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij, allegedly acting on the instructions of criminal elements, launched an attack on the police personnel.
During the attack, police officers fought back bravely and killed 18 militants. However, 10 police personnel, including a DSP, embraced martyrdom while confronting the attackers. According to police, the martyred personnel belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Kohat district.
Following the incident, additional contingents of police and security forces rushed to the scene. An exchange of fire subsequently took place between security personnel and terrorists in the area. Security forces are continuing their pursuit of the remaining attackers following the killing of 18 militants.
Kohat District Police Officer (DPO) said the operation against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists would continue until the last militant was eliminated. Additional security personnel have also been deployed in the area.
According to police, the alleged nexus between criminal elements and Fitna al-Khawarij, operating with foreign backing, and their coordinated attack on the police party demonstrate organised links between criminal networks and terrorist groups.
The operation was aimed at dismantling the alleged network involved in illegal gold mining through connections between terrorists and criminal elements.
In its statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police said the incident once again demonstrated that Fitna al-Khawarij had no connection with Islam or Pakistan and that these elements were working alongside criminal mafias to pursue their nefarious objectives.
The police further vowed to take all possible action against criminal elements allegedly operating with foreign support and Fitna al-Khawarij. They said facilitators of terrorists and criminal mafias would not be spared and that no illegal activity would be tolerated.
Paying tribute to the martyred personnel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police said they sacrificed their lives while fighting bravely against the attackers and that their sacrifices would always be remembered.
