Web Desk: Terrorists ambushed a police mobile van on Shakardara Road on the outskirts of Kohat, martyring a senior officer and five other policemen in a sudden attack, while a civilian also embraced martyrdom.
District Police Officer (DPO) confirmed that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Asad Mahmood was among the six officers killed when gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle during a routine patrol.
According to the DPO, the police van was conducting routine patrol duties when unidentified attackers lying in wait launched the assault. The gunmen fired repeatedly at close range, causing fatal injuries to the officers on board.
After the shooting, the assailants set the police vehicle ablaze. The van was completely destroyed before additional police and security forces arrived at the scene.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers. Security personnel established checkpoints on surrounding roads while combing operations continued in nearby localities.
Police officials said preliminary evidence suggested the assault was carried out under a coordinated plan. Investigators collected forensic evidence from the site and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The bodies of the slain officers were transferred to a nearby hospital to complete legal formalities. Officials said any injured personnel received immediate medical assistance.
The attack triggered panic in the area, prompting authorities to place security forces on high alert. Senior officials condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
Authorities vowed that the “blood of the martyrs will not go in vain” and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. They also reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying counterterrorism operations in the region.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
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