Deadly attack in Kohat: DSP and five officers martyred

Five police officers, including a DSP, were martyred and four others seriously injured when terrorists ambushed a police van in Shakardara, Kohat district. Two detainees being transported in the same vehicle were also killed in the attack, officials said.

The police team, led by DSP Asad Mahmood Khan, was moving detainees for investigations when unidentified armed militants suddenly opened fire on the vehicle. Among the dead were DSP Khan, Inspector Anar Gul Khan, the driver, the DSP’s reader Wahab Gul, and another constable. The two detainees killed were identified as Yousaf Khan and Samiullah.

According to reports, four police personnel, Zahoor Khan, Aqab Hussain, and Mohib Rehman, suffered serious wounds and were rushed to a hospital in Kohat for treatment. A heavy contingent of police was deployed to secure the area and carry out search operations for the terrorists.

KP CM Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack, terming it “extremely tragic” and pledging that the “sacrifices of the martyrs will not be in vain”. He directed authorities to provide the best medical care for the injured, prayed for their recovery, and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

Security forces have intensified operations and search efforts in the region after a rise in militant violence.