KOHAT: Ten police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were killed when a police party came under fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat district, according to police.
A Kohat police spokesperson said the attack took place in Darbokach Jalandar Banda, an area between Kohat and Karak. The police party was reportedly heading out for action against illegal gold mining at the time.
Police public relations officials confirmed the death toll of 10. They named two of the dead as DSP Gumbat Haider Zaman and Sub-Inspector Mukhtiar.
Preliminary reports said the police vehicle was fired on, after which more police vehicles were sent to the scene. Police later called in a large contingent, and reports said the attackers kept firing. Sources told local media that police vehicles were set on fire. Pakistan Observer reported that three other personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were seriously injured.
An emergency was declared at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Teaching Hospital after the attack.
Early accounts differ on the toll. Pakistan Observer’s report cited initial information that four personnel, including the DSP, had died, while its headline and opening paragraph put the toll at 10. The police toll of 10 is used here.
The identity of the attackers has not been confirmed, and no group has claimed responsibility. Police have not said who they believe carried out the attack.
