SHO among 2 policemen martyred in terrorist ambush in Mohmand

PESHAWAR, Jul 03 (APP): Two police personnel, including an additional station house officer (SHO), were martyred and another was seriously injured in a terrorist attack on a police patrol in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohmand district, police said on Friday.

According to Mohmand police spokesman, terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna al Khawarij group ambushed a police mobile patrol near the Warsak Lift Canal in the Machni area, within the jurisdiction of Ekkaghund Police Station, late Thursday night.

Additional SHO Zaitullah and Elite Force constable Noor Zeb were martyred while responding to the attack. The patrol vehicle’s driver, Zahir, sustained serious injuries and was shifted to Peshawar after receiving initial medical treatment.

Police retaliated promptly, forcing the attackers to flee. According to police, several terrorists were reportedly killed in the exchange of fire. The assailants also left behind an M4 rifle, a Kalashnikov assault rifle and three loaded magazines while escaping.

Following the attack, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ekkaghund Circle Dilfaraz Khan, SHO Qasim Jan and additional police contingents reached the scene, cordoned off the area and launched a search and clearance operation.

A manhunt is underway to trace and arrest the fleeing attackers.

Mohmand police reaffirmed their commitment to continuing operations against Fitna al Khawarij, saying the sacrifices of the martyred personnel would not go in vain and that efforts would continue until the threat was eliminated.

Meanwhile, the martyred policemen were laid to rest with full state honours at the Police Lines in Ghalanai early Friday.

Funeral prayers were attended by Mohmand District Police Officer (DPO) Raza Mohammad, Mohmand Rifles Commandant Asim Mahmood, Member of the National Assembly Sajid Khan, and senior police and civil administration officials.