Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu District Under Siege as Police Checkpost Attacked by Terrorists
A devastating terrorist attack has left a significant number of law enforcement officials and civilians injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district. On Wednesday, the Khazina Banda checkpost, located near the city of Peshawar, was targeted by an armed group affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
The attack occurred at approximately 8:30 pm local time, when a large number of terrorists stormed into the checkpost. The militants fired on the police personnel present at the scene, resulting in nine deaths and multiple injuries. According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists used rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire to breach the security perimeter.
The KP Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed has confirmed that the attack was carried out by Fitna al Khawarij, a term used by the state to describe terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The IG stated that despite the challenges posed by the attackers, the police personnel responded bravely and effectively repelled the assault.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with many officials expressing their condolences for the families of those who lost their lives. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack on social media, offering his deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.
This is not the first time that Hangu district has been targeted by terrorists in recent months. In July 2022, a joint security operation led by police personnel resulted in the deaths of nine policemen and six terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
The attack on Khazina Banda checkpost comes as part of an ongoing campaign to eradicate terrorism from every corner of the province. The KP police has been working tirelessly to strengthen its security measures, including deploying additional personnel and equipment at strategic locations.
As the investigation into the incident continues, officials have vowed that they will not rest until those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain vigilant, knowing that their safety is a top priority.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
