Deadly clashes in Swat and Hangu left police officers, village defence volunteers and civilians dead, while authorities said 18 militants were killed during ongoing security operations.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — WEB DESK: At least 11 security personnel and civilians were killed while 18 militants were killed during separate counterterrorism operations and militant attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to police and security officials.
The heaviest fighting took place in Swat and Hangu, where security forces launched operations against militants. Authorities described the slain militants as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, the term used by the Pakistani government for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Swat Operation
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police conducted a joint search-and-strike operation in the upper areas of Swat.
Security officials said one police officer and four members of the Village Defence Committee (VDC) were killed during intense exchanges of fire, while six militants were killed. Several other militants were reportedly injured and fled the area.
The deceased VDC members were identified as Umar Hayat, Gul Zeb, Muhammad Karim and Akhtar Zeb. Police Constable Gulfam was also among those killed.
Officials said security forces targeted multiple suspected militant hideouts during the operation.
Hangu Checkpost Attack
In Hangu district, militants attacked the Khazina Banda police checkpost, triggering an hours-long gun battle.
District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Habib said police launched a counter-operation that remained ongoing late into the night.
According to the DPO, 12 militants were killed, while DSP Diyar Khan and four other police personnel lost their lives. DSP Mujahid Hussain was among eight officers injured, who were shifted to hospital for treatment.
Police spokesperson Saqib said militants also opened fire on reinforcements responding to the attack, damaging an armoured police vehicle. The DPO’s vehicle also came under fire, but he escaped unharmed.
Separate Incidents in North Waziristan and Kohat
In North Waziristan, local police said a man identified as Hakim was killed after a quadcopter reportedly struck a mosque in the Tappi Bangash Khel area of Miranshah tehsil. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Separately, an explosion damaged Masjid Abu Bakr in the Lachi area of Kohat, causing two rooms of the mosque to collapse. Police said no casualties were reported and an investigation is underway.
Official Response
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and provincial Information Minister condemned the attacks, expressed condolences to the families of those killed, and paid tribute to the security personnel and volunteers who lost their lives.
