Pakistan: Policeman Killed, Three Abducted in Terrorist Attack on Hangu Checkpost

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — A police constable was killed and three other police personnel were abducted after heavily armed terrorists attacked a police checkpost in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security personnel.

The attack took place late Sunday night at the Shah Almas Pir Ziarat police post, located on a hill in the outskirts of Hangu district, according to police officials.

Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Salahuddin Kundi confirmed that Constable Feroz Ali was killed during the assault, while three other policemen were taken away by the attackers.

According to the DPO, the assailants fled towards Khanano Kotta in the Samana mountain range, taking the abducted personnel with them. The area is known for the presence of armed militants.

A large contingent of police and security forces rushed to the scene following the attack. An exchange of fire took place, and police subsequently regained control of the checkpost before launching a search operation to track down the attackers and recover the abducted personnel.

The three abducted policemen were subsequently recovered safely following joint efforts by the district police officer, local tribal elders and the district administration, according to a report published by Pakistan's Express News on Monday. Hangu Deputy Commissioner Basir Ali Rehman confirmed their recovery, saying all three were safe and would be brought back to Hangu.

Meanwhile, funeral prayers for Constable Feroz Ali were offered with full state honours at Police Lines in Hangu. DPO Salahuddin Kundi, senior police officials and officers and personnel of the security forces attended the funeral and paid tribute to the slain constable. His body was subsequently transported to his native village of Ibrahimzai for burial.

International and regional media coverage

The attack was also reported by several regional and international news outlets.

India's public broadcaster, News On AIR, reported that a police constable was killed and three policemen abducted in the attack on Shah Almas Pir Hill. It said security forces rushed to the area and exchanged heavy fire with the attackers. The broadcaster also noted that no group had claimed responsibility at the time of its report.

Afghanistan-based Pajhwok Afghan News also reported the incident, identifying Shah Almas Pir Mountain as the location of the attack. Citing an earlier report by Aaj News, the agency said police and security forces had cordoned off the area and launched an operation to recover the abducted personnel.

Rising militant violence in Hangu

The latest attack comes amid a continuing wave of militant violence targeting police and security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Hangu and neighbouring districts.

On September 20, eight terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Hangu, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Six security personnel, including Captain Abuzar Farooq and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, also lost their lives in the confrontation.

Earlier, on July 29–30, heavily armed terrorists attacked the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu. Nine police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Diyar Khan, were killed, while 28 others were injured, according to police officials cited by Dawn. The Associated Press also reported that 15 attackers were killed during the ensuing clashes.

The repeated attacks have highlighted the continuing security challenges facing law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where armed terrorist groups have increasingly targeted police installations, security personnel and patrols.