KOHAT: Five police officials, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were killed and four others wounded when militants ambushed a police vehicle in the Lachi area of Kohat on Tuesday. Two detainees being transported by the police also lost their lives in the attack.
According to police officials, the team was led by DSP Lachi Asad Mahmood Khan and was escorting detainees for investigative proceedings when unidentified gunmen suddenly opened heavy fire on their vehicle.
Those killed in the assault were identified as DSP Asad Mahmood Khan, Inspector Anar Gul Khan, a police gunman, the DSP’s reader Wahab Gul, and the official driver. The deceased detainees were named Yousaf Khan, son of Yaqoob Gul, and Samiullah, son of Muhammad Anwar.
Four individuals, including three police officers — Zahoor Khan, Aqab Hussain, and Mohib Rehman — sustained critical injuries. They were transported to a hospital in Kohat for medical treatment.
Following the incident, a large contingent of Kohat police reached the site and launched a search operation in the surrounding area.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack and sought a detailed report from the inspector general of police. He described the incident as deeply tragic and paid tribute to the fallen officers, stating that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The chief minister reaffirmed that the provincial government stands firmly with the families of the victims and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. He also offered prayers for the departed souls and for strength and patience for their families.
In a separate incident a day earlier, three personnel of the Federal Constabulary (FC) were killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in the province. Militants reportedly carried out a drone strike on an FC fort near Dargah Shaheedan in the Bahadar Khel area, injuring several personnel.
District Police Officer Saud Khan stated that security forces responded swiftly and secured the area. However, as the injured were being transported to hospital, militants launched another assault, setting ambulances on fire. Three FC personnel were killed in that attack, while five others, including a Rescue 1122 worker, were injured. The wounded were shifted to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu for treatment.
