PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Four police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), were killed during an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, while two militants were killed in retaliatory action.
The gun battle took place in the Charpeera area during a search and strike operation launched to counter suspected terrorist activity and movement. Those killed included CTD DSP Imranuddin Khan, Sub-Inspector Afzal Awan, DSP CTD’s gunman Kazim and Amjad, a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), according to police.
Police said terrorists had established a blockade on Charpeera Road within the jurisdiction of Khurram Police Station on Wednesday night, raising concerns over militant activity in the area.
In response, a search and strike operation was launched at noon on Thursday, targeting suspected terrorists and monitoring their movements.
The operation was led by the DSP of Banda and the CTD DSP, with personnel from several specialist units deployed to support the action.
Teams from the Bomb Disposal Unit, the drone unit, Rescue 15 and the Rapid Response Force (RRF) also took part in the operation, reflecting the scale of the security response.
According to police, an exchange of fire erupted during a raid on the residence of suspected terrorist commander Qaiser Iqbal in Charpeera.
Two terrorists were killed during the ensuing encounter, while four police personnel sustained fatal injuries.
The deceased CTD officer was identified as DSP Imranuddin Khan. Sub-Inspector Afzal Awan, who served as the station house officer (SHO) of Lattambar Police Station, was also among those killed.
The other two personnel were identified as Kazim, the CTD DSP’s gunman, and Amjad, who was serving with the Bomb Disposal Unit.
Police officials said the operation remained under way in the area, with additional officers involved in efforts against suspected terrorist elements.
The SP Operations, station house officers from across the district and other relevant police officials were participating in the ongoing action.