HANGU (Web Desk) – A senior police officer was martyred and at least six militants were killed after heavily armed terrorists launched an attack on the Khazina Banda police checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, triggering a fierce gun battle between the attackers and security personnel, officials said.
According to police officials, the militants targeted the Khazina Banda checkpoint in a coordinated assault aimed at breaching the security post. Police personnel stationed at the checkpoint immediately responded, resulting in an intense exchange of fire that continued for several hours.
Officials said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Diyar Khan embraced martyrdom while courageously leading the operation against the attackers. His sacrifice was described by senior police officials as an example of bravery and commitment in the fight against terrorism.
During the exchange of fire, several police personnel also sustained injuries while resisting the militant assault. Authorities confirmed that the wounded officers were promptly shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The District Police Officer (DPO) said a total of 18 police officials, including DSP Mujahid Hussain, suffered injuries during the operation. Hospital authorities stated that medical teams immediately began treatment after the injured personnel arrived.
Police officials said six militants were killed during the operation as security personnel successfully repelled the attack on the checkpoint. Weapons and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the militants, although officials have not yet released complete details regarding the recovered material.
Following the attack, security forces launched a large-scale search operation in the surrounding area to trace any militants who may have escaped during the fighting.
Police and other security agencies sealed all entry and exit routes around the affected locality, while additional personnel were deployed to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
Officials said the operation would continue until the entire area was declared secure and all possible militant hideouts had been searched.
Senior police officers visited the injured personnel in hospital and assured them of every possible medical facility. Authorities said arrangements had been made to provide the best available treatment for all wounded officers.
Police officials also paid tribute to DSP Diyar Khan, describing him as a dedicated officer who sacrificed his life while defending the country and protecting civilians from terrorism.
They emphasized that the sacrifices of police personnel would strengthen the resolve of law enforcement agencies in their ongoing campaign against militant groups operating in the region.
Hangu and several adjoining districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have witnessed periodic militant attacks in recent years, prompting security forces to intensify intelligence-based operations against extremist networks.
Security officials say police, military and intelligence agencies continue to coordinate efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure and improve security in vulnerable areas.
Authorities reiterated that terrorism remains a serious challenge, but maintained that security forces are fully prepared to confront any threat to public safety.
Police officials appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities that could help prevent future attacks.
The latest incident highlights the continued risks faced by police personnel serving on the front lines in terrorism-affected regions, where security checkpoints remain key targets for militant groups.
Authorities said further details regarding the operation, the identities of the slain militants and the progress of the ongoing search would be released after the completion of the investigation.
Police vowed that the martyrdom of DSP Diyar Khan and the sacrifices of injured personnel would not go in vain, reaffirming their commitment to eliminating terrorism and maintaining peace across the province.
