Kohat police operation against illegal gold mining comes under terrorist attack, eight personnel injured

A major police operation targeting an alleged network involved in illegal gold mining in Kohat came under attack on Tuesday

KOHAT:  A major police operation targeting an alleged network involved in illegal gold mining in Kohat came under attack on Tuesday after militants reportedly ambushed a police party in the Darbooch area, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire between security personnel and the attackers.

According to initial reports, the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Gambat Police Station, where Kohat Police had launched an operation against illegal gold extraction allegedly being carried out through a network involving militant groups and criminal elements.

Police sources said that personnel were carrying out action against the illegal mining activities when they came under a sudden attack. The assailants, identified by security sources as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, allegedly launched a coordinated assault on the police contingent in collaboration with local criminal gangs.

At least eight police personnel sustained injuries during the attack and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials said that the situation remained serious, while concerns were also raised about possible fatalities among the personnel. However, no confirmed details regarding deaths were immediately available.

Following the attack, additional contingents of Kohat Police and security forces were dispatched to the area to reinforce the personnel already engaged in the operation. The surrounding locations were placed under heightened security as forces moved to contain the situation and prevent the attackers from escaping.

An intense exchange of fire was reported between the police and the militants, with security sources claiming that several members of the attacking group had been killed during retaliatory action. The operation was continuing at the time of the initial reports, and further details regarding casualties and the overall security situation were awaited.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the alleged links between illegal mining networks and militant or criminal groups operating in parts of the region. Authorities have been pursuing action against unlawful gold extraction, which reportedly involves organised elements seeking to exploit mineral resources through illegal means.

The attack also highlights the security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies while conducting operations against organised criminal networks in sensitive areas. Police and security personnel have continued efforts to maintain control of the affected locality and pursue those responsible for targeting the force.

District Police Officer (DPO) Kohat said that the pursuit of Fitna al-Khawarij was continuing and made it clear that the operation would not be called off until the remaining terrorists were eliminated.

He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to confronting militant elements and maintaining law and order in the district.

Authorities are expected to share further information as the operation progresses and the situation becomes clearer. The number of casualties, the identities of those involved in the attack and the extent of the damage are yet to be officially confirmed.

Security personnel remain engaged in the area, while the operation against the alleged illegal gold mining network and its associated elements continues.