Hangu: three police personnel martyred in checkpost attack

WEB DESK: Three police personnel were martyred when terrorists opened fire on a police checkpost in Hangu, officials confirmed. Police retaliated swiftly, killing one attacker during the exchange of gunfire.

According to police authorities, the incident took place at the Qazi Talab checkpost on Shaho Road, located within the jurisdiction of Hangu City Police Station. The attackers launched an armed assault on the post, triggering a fierce gun battle. Along with the fatalities, several others, including attackers, were reported injured.

District Police Officer (DPO) Khanzeb Khan said the police force fought back bravely, preventing further loss of life. The bodies of the martyred personnel were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

The attack comes as security forces across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain on alert amid a surge in militant activity. Separately, security sources said the terrorists involved in an earlier assault on an FC headquarters had been identified.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. “The perpetrators of this act of terrorism will be dealt with decisively,” he said in a statement, adding that the provincial government stands with the families of the fallen policemen.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack, paying tribute to the three police officers who were martyred in the incident. He expressed his condolences to the families of the slain officers, assuring that their sacrifices would not go in vain. Highlighting the role of the KP police, Naqvi said they have made unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and remain on the frontlines in the ongoing struggle to safeguard the province and its citizens.