A violent shootout in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Saturday resulted in the martyrdom of one policeman and the death of three terrorists. According to police officials, the incident occurred during an operation to apprehend militants in the mountainous region of Darmalak. In addition to the martyr, two other police officers were injured during the clash.
Regional Police Officer Kohat, Abbas Majeed Marwat, confirmed that three terrorists were killed as police retaliated against the attack. Several others were also wounded, and a manhunt is currently underway to arrest the injured militants. The operation continues as authorities vow not to let the sacrifices of the police officers go in vain. “Our war against terrorism will continue,” Marwat emphasized.
Earlier reports from Rescue 1122 confirmed that a police vehicle came under fire near the Darmalak police post. The attack resulted in one police officer’s martyrdom on the spot, with the two injured officers rushed to Kohat District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Local authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and the identity of the terrorists involved.
This incident comes amidst a series of attacks targeting law enforcement personnel across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier in August, a deadly assault in Hangu left two Federal Constabulary officers martyred and 18 others wounded. Just days before, a major attack on police checkpoints in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed the lives of five police officers and injured another eight.
Terrorist activities have surged in recent months, particularly after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. In response, Pakistan has ramped up its counterterrorism operations, with several successful joint operations by the police and Counter Terrorism Department in recent months.