Police kill suspected mastermind of Hangu attack

HANGU: Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said on Sunday they had killed the alleged mastermind behind last week’s deadly attack on the Khazina Banda police check post during a security operation near Chapri Naryab in Hangu district.

According to police officials, security personnel launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the movement of 15 to 18 suspected militants in the area. During the exchange of fire, authorities said a high-value militant wanted in connection with the Khazina Banda attack was killed.

Officials identified the deceased as the alleged planner of the assault on the police check post, which took place on July 29 and resulted in one of the deadliest recent attacks on law enforcement personnel in the district.

Police said the earlier attack claimed the lives of 10 police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), while 28 others were injured. The assault prompted an extensive search operation across Hangu and surrounding areas to trace those involved.

Authorities said intelligence-based operations have since been intensified to dismantle militant networks operating in the region. Security forces are continuing search and clearance operations to locate any remaining suspects believed to have escaped during Sunday’s action.

The killing of the alleged mastermind is being viewed by officials as a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the Khazina Banda attack. However, police have not yet released the identity of the deceased or provided further operational details.

The July 29 attack had shocked the province and renewed concerns over militant violence targeting security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also triggered a strong response from law enforcement agencies, which vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

Officials reiterated that operations against militant groups would continue until all those involved in attacks on security forces are apprehended or neutralized. They emphasized that intelligence-led operations remain a key part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent further attacks in the region.

Investigations into the Khazina Banda incident are ongoing, while authorities continue to assess evidence collected from both the attack site and the latest operation.