The attack took place at the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu district, where a group of militants targeted security personnel,
An attack on a police checkpoint in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province left at least seven police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), and eight militants dead, local media reported on Wednesday.
The attack took place at the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu district, where a group of militants targeted security personnel, according to Geo News, citing District Police Officer Tariq Habib.
At least 22 police personnel were also injured in the attack, including DSP Mujahid Hussain, the report said. A clearance operation was launched in the area following the attack.
Forces launch operation after attack
According to DPO Habib, eight militants were killed in retaliatory firing, while six others were injured. The operation against the attackers was continuing, he said.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion is likely to fall on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, which has increased attacks against security forces in the region in recent months.
The latest attack comes days after another deadly assault on a security checkpoint in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Second checkpost attack in a week
Last week, militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post, killing 15 people, including soldiers, police officials and government personnel. Pakistan’s military said 12 militants were killed in the subsequent operation.
Earlier today, Pakistan’s military said security forces had killed 32 militants in intelligence-based operations carried out over the previous 24 hours in northwestern and southwestern parts of the country.
