Nine TTP terrorists eliminated, 4 officers injured in Hangu operation

HANGU: At least nine Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists were killed and eight injured in a joint intelligence-based operation by police and Tal Scouts in Doaba area of Hangu district on Saturday.

The operation was launched in the early hours of the morning in Zargiri, Shinawari and surrounding areas following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of TTP operatives who were believed to be involved in recent terrorist activities.

According to a police spokesperson, four law enforcement personnel were injured in the intense exchange of fire, including Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Khalid Khan, Doaba Station House Officer (SHO) Nabi Khan, a security officer and the in-charge of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS).

All the injured personnel were immediately shifted to medical facilities.

Kohat Regional Police Officer (RPO) Abbas Majeed Marwat told the media that two police and Frontier Corps (FC) vehicles were attacked during a joint operation by Hangu Police, Pakistan Army and Tal Scouts in the Doaba area.

He confirmed that nine terrorists – allegedly foreign nationals – were killed, while at least four others were injured. The DPO, the Tal Scouts Wing Commander and the SHO were also injured in the exchange of fire. The RPO confirmed that the DPO underwent surgery and is now in a stable condition.

The RPO added that due to security concerns, police operations are often restricted to areas with public presence. He urged the residents of Doaba, Tal and surrounding areas to support the police in their efforts against terrorism.

He added that anti-terrorism operations will continue daily until the region is cleared of all threats.

DSP Amjad Khan said that a clearance operation is underway to make the area completely safe and free from the presence of terrorists.

Hospital sources said that DPO Khalid Khan was hit by four bullets and was shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Kohat. His condition is said to be stable. SHO Nabi Khan sustained minor injuries and is under observation.