Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police claimed that 18 militants were killed during an exchange of fire following an attack on a police team in Kohat’s Darabo Kach area on Wednesday, which also claimed the lives of 10 police personnel.
In a fresh statement, the Central Police Office (CPO) said the police team completed an operation against illegal gold mining in coordination with the local civil administration and was returning when it came under attack.
The statement identified the attackers as members of the group officially designated by the authorities as Fitna al Khawarij and alleged that they ambushed the police team at the instigation of criminal elements involved in illegal mining.
According to the CPO, police personnel returned fire, killing 18 suspected militants during the confrontation.
The statement confirmed that 10 police personnel lost their lives in the attack. It said the deceased belonged to different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Kohat district.
Police allege militant criminal nexus
The Central Police Office further alleged that criminal networks involved in illegal activities were working in coordination with militant groups.
It claimed that the attack demonstrated organised links between illegal mining operators and militants, alleging that these networks also enjoyed external backing.
However, the police statement did not provide independently verifiable evidence supporting the allegations of foreign involvement.
The CPO pledged continued action against militant groups, their alleged facilitators, and criminal networks involved in illegal activities.
Authorities also paid tribute to the police personnel killed in the attack, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing those responsible.
The reported deaths of 18 militants are based on the latest police statement. Their identities and the circumstances of their deaths were not identified.
