Ten cops killed and eighteen militants die in Kohat gold mining attack

Police party returns under fire

A joint operation involving the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and local civil administration targeted elements involved in illegal gold mining in the Darabukach locality. The police contingent was returning after completing this mission when they came under heavy fire from attackers. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Jawad Afridi stated that twelve injured personnel were shifted to hospitals while several bodies remained at the scene initially. Later official statements confirmed the final death toll of ten officers and eighteen militants following the exchange of fire.

Attack linked to mining ban

The assault occurred within the jurisdiction of the Gumbat police station in the Darabukach area near Kohat city. Authorities stated that Fitna al-Khawarij, a term for banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan members, launched the attack at the behest of criminal elements. This incident happened one day after the deputy commissioner imposed a sixty-day ban on parking excavators in specific placer gold mining blocks. Police allege an organised nexus between criminal mafias and militants is fuelled by foreign backing to sustain illegal mining activities.

Minister condemns violence and pays tribute

Mohsin Naqvi, the Federal Interior Minister, voiced strong condemnation of the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers. He praised the police personnel for their bravery in fighting back and successfully killing eighteen militants during the engagement. The minister noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police force remains on the front line making immense sacrifices in the ongoing battle against terrorism.