HANGU – A terrorist linked to the recent attack on District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid Khan has been killed in Hangu’s Naryab area, according to police sources. The militant was eliminated during an intelligence-based operation on Saturday.
Police launched the raid days after the July 19 incident, when the DPO and his team came under fire in the Shinawari Zargari region of Hangu. During that clash, nine militants were killed, while DPO Khalid suffered gunshot wounds and was shifted to Peshawar for treatment.
In the latest operation, a heavy exchange of fire broke out between the suspects and police. However, officers remained unharmed. Interestingly, the suspect involved in the earlier Hangu DPO attack was reportedly shot and killed by his own accomplices during the gunfight.
The incident marks another grim chapter in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against militancy, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The country has seen a rise in terrorist attacks in recent years, with frequent incidents targeting both civilians and law enforcement.
According to a recent report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), there were 85 militant attacks in May, up from 81 in April. These attacks caused 113 deaths, including 52 members of security forces and 46 civilians.
The report also highlighted a concerning rise in civilian injuries, jumping 145% from April to May. While the number of injuries among security forces dropped slightly, the overall toll reflects the persistent threat posed by militant groups.
Since the Taliban returned to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border militant activity. Law enforcement agencies have increased operations in regions like KP and Balochistan, but the threat remains active.
The Hangu DPO attack terrorist killed in this latest raid serves as a reminder of the risks faced by police in such volatile areas. Authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on terror groups to restore peace and security.
For full details on the incident and ongoing investigation, read the complete story here.
