Three traffic policemen killed in firing attack in Tank

PESHAWAR: Three traffic police personnel were killed and two civilians injured on Monday when gunmen opened fire on a traffic police vehicle in the Wazirabad area of Tank district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Constable Gul Zameen, Constable Saleem Shah and driver Fayyaz Uddin.

According to officials of the City Police Station at Tank, the attackers, who were riding a motorcycle, fled the scene after the shooting. The bodies of the slain personnel and the injured civilians were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Tank.

A heavy contingent of police reached the area, cordoned it off and began a search operation to trace the assailants. Police said the investigation was under way.

Interior minister condemns attack

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, which he attributed to militants, and expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the three policemen. He extended his condolences to the families of the slain officers and said the nation salutes their sacrifices. The government stands with the bereaved families, he said, vowing that the sacrifices of those killed in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.

Spate of recent attacks

The incident comes amid a series of security incidents in recent weeks in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Kohat. The districts border the former tribal areas and have seen recurring militant attacks, including explosions and assaults on security personnel.

On Saturday, police officials said at least 12 people were killed and more than 30 injured in an attack near the Aman Mela checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan district. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reportedly claimed responsibility.

On Sept 18, an attack during Friday prayers at the old Police Lines in Kohat left 21 people dead and more than 100 injured.

This is a developing story