Four policemen, including DSP CTD, martyred in Karak terrorist attack

Four police personnel, including Counter-Terrorism Department Deputy Superintendent of Police Imranuddin Khan, were martyred during an armed confrontation with suspected militants in Chirpira, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district. Two militants were killed during the exchange of fire, while the security operation remained underway.

Police said militants had established a blockade on Chirpira Road within the jurisdiction of Khurram police station the previous night. Information about their presence and movement prompted authorities to launch a search-and-strike operation at noon the following day.

The operation involved DSPs from Banda and the Counter-Terrorism Department, supported by the Bomb Disposal Unit, a drone team, Rescue 15 and the Rapid Response Force. The deployment of multiple units reflected the scale of the security response and the operational requirements in the area.

According to the police account, the confrontation occurred during a raid on the house of militant commander Qaiser Iqbal in Chirpira. Two militants were killed in the exchange, but four members of the police team lost their lives.

The fallen personnel included DSP CTD Imranuddin Khan, Sub-Inspector Afzal Awan, DSP CTD’s gunman Kazim and Bomb Disposal Unit official Amjad. Afzal Awan was serving as the station house officer at Lattamber police station.

The deaths represent a significant loss for the police units involved in the operation, particularly the Counter-Terrorism Department. The incident also highlights the risks faced by personnel conducting raids in areas where armed suspects are believed to be operating.

Police said the operation had not concluded and that further action against suspected militants was continuing. The district’s SP Operations, station house officers and other relevant police officials were participating in the ongoing response.

The reported blockade on Chirpira Road had preceded the operation, although the supplied information does not provide further details about its duration, the number of people involved or whether civilians were affected.

Authorities have also not provided additional details about the identities of the two militants killed beyond the reported association with the raid on Qaiser Iqbal’s house. Further information about the outcome of the operation was not available in the supplied account.

The continuing deployment suggests that police are still assessing and responding to the security situation in the area. The immediate priorities remain the ongoing operation and action against the militant presence reported by authorities.

The incident adds to the security challenges confronting law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where police and counter-terrorism personnel continue to conduct operations against suspected armed groups.