Hangu drone attack, FIR registered against TTP militants

HANGU: Pakistani authorities have registered a terrorism case following a deadly drone attack on the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu, where officials say militants carried out a coordinated assault that left several police personnel dead and dozens injured.

According to police, the case has been lodged at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Kohat on the complaint of the station house officer (SHO). The First Information Report (FIR) names members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and includes 16 charges, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder and kidnapping.

The FIR states that the attackers used a drone as part of the assault before engaging security personnel in an intense exchange of fire.

According to the police report, DSP Diyar Khan was among 10 police officials martyred during the attack, while 33 other personnel sustained injuries in the fierce confrontation.

Authorities said security forces responded immediately, leading to a prolonged gun battle with the militants. The FIR claims that 15 militants were killed during the retaliatory operation carried out by police.

The attack also caused significant damage to government property. Police said the militants destroyed or damaged three armoured vehicles, along with other official vehicles and infrastructure at the checkpost.

Investigators have launched a detailed probe to identify all individuals involved in planning and executing the assault. Officials said evidence is being collected from the attack site, while intelligence agencies are assisting in tracing the network behind the operation.

The incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant attacks have increased in recent years.

Authorities have vowed to bring all those responsible to justice, reaffirming that counterterrorism operations will continue against militant groups threatening public safety and national security. Officials also paid tribute to the police officers who lost their lives, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the force’s commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace in the region.