15 militants killed in anti-militiant operation in northwest Pakistan
Nine security officials and 15 militants were killed and 28 police personnel injured during an operation in northwest Pakistan following an attack on a police checkpoint, police said on Thursday.
The operation was launched in retaliation for Wednesday, 29 July's attack on a police checkpoint in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Reinforcements were dispatched after the attack, but the vehicle carrying additional personnel also came under militant fire, police said.
According to a police spokesperson, nine police personnel were killed and 28 others injured during the operation. The intense exchange of fire also killed 15 militants and injured several others, police said.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi condemned the attack and sought a detailed report. He paid tribute to the slain police personnel and expressed condolences to their families.
He also directed authorities to ensure medical treatment for the injured and support for the families of those killed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced recurring unrest driven by militant violence, cross-border movement of fighters from Afghanistan and repeated military operations.
The federal government accuses the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan of carrying out attacks in the province bordering Afghanistan after its ceasefire agreement ended in November 2022.
0PTI Inputs)
