DPO injured, nine terrorists killed in fierce Hangu gunfight

A fierce gun battle took place between security forces and militants in the Shinawari Zargari area of Hangu, leaving nine terrorists dead and District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid injured. DPO Khalid, who led the operation, was hit by three bullets and shifted to Peshawar for medical treatment. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) “Amjad Hussain” confirmed that Khalid’s condition is stable.

Inspector General (IG) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, told reporters that several other militants were also wounded in the clash. He added, “I’ve spoken to him, and his spirits remain high.” The IG assured that police will continue targeted operations against terrorists across the province.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called DPO Khalid to check on his health and praised his bravery. “Under your command, the police team displayed immense courage and eliminated five terrorists,” he said. The minister also appreciated the entire Hangu police team, calling their action a major blow to terrorism. He prayed for the quick recovery of DPO Khalid and SHO “Nabi Khan,” who was also injured. “You are the pride of the nation. We are proud of you,” he added.

Pakistan has seen a rise in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. In May this year, militant attacks slightly increased despite heightened tensions with India.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a 5% rise in attacks in May, with 85 incidents compared to 81 in April. These attacks led to 113 deaths, including 52 security personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four peace committee members. Another 182 people were injured, including 130 civilians and 47 security forces members.

While the overall increase in attacks was small, deaths among security personnel jumped by 73%, and civilian injuries rose by 145%. On the other hand, injuries among security forces dropped by 20%. Security operations in May killed 59 militants but also claimed the lives of five security personnel.

The total casualty count for May reached 172, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by security forces and civilians in fighting militancy.

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