PESHAWAR — Four police personnel, among them a Deputy Superintendent of Police from the Counter-Terrorism Department, were killed in an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, according to police officials. Two militants were killed in retaliatory action.
The gun battle erupted in the Charpeera area during a search and strike operation launched to counter suspected terrorist activity and movement, police said.
Officers Identified
The deceased were identified as CTD DSP Imranuddin Khan, Sub-Inspector Afzal Awan — who served as the station house officer of Lattambar Police Station — Kazim, the CTD DSP’s gunman, and Amjad, a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit.
Blockade Preceded Operation
According to police, suspected terrorists had established a blockade on Charpeera Road within the jurisdiction of Khurram Police Station on Wednesday night, raising concerns over militant activity in the area. In response, a search and strike operation was launched at noon on Thursday, targeting suspected terrorists and monitoring their movements.
The operation was led by the DSP of Banda and the CTD DSP, with personnel from several specialist units deployed in support. Teams from the Bomb Disposal Unit, the drone unit, Rescue 15 and the Rapid Response Force also took part, reflecting the scale of the security response.
Raid on Suspected Commander’s Home
Police said the exchange of fire broke out during a raid on the residence of suspected terrorist commander Qaiser Iqbal in Charpeera. Two terrorists were killed during the ensuing encounter, while the four police personnel sustained fatal injuries.
Operation Ongoing
Police officials said the operation remained under way in the area, with additional officers involved in efforts against suspected terrorist elements. The SP Operations, station house officers from across the district and other relevant police officials were participating in the ongoing action. Bomb disposal specialists and drone teams also remain deployed as part of the continuing operation.
