At least nine Khawarij were killed, and three officials, including District Police Officer (DPO) Khalid Khan, were injured in an intense gun battle during a joint security operation in the Zargari area of Hangu district on Saturday.
The operation was launched after intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorists in the area. As security forces moved in, the Khawarij, who had taken refuge inside a mosque, opened heavy fire. In the exchange, SHO Nabi Khan and an officer from security forces also sustained minor injuries, while DPO Khalid Khan was hit by four bullets. He was later shifted to Peshawar via Rescue 1122 for emergency medical treatment.
The clash triggered a prolonged gunfight that lasted for over two hours, during which security personnel responded with full force, successfully eliminating nine terrorists.
The area has been cordoned off, and a search and clearance operation is ongoing to neutralise any remaining threats. Security officials say further details, including the identities of the killed Khawarij, will be shared once the operation is complete.
The attack highlights the continued threat posed by Khawarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the ongoing sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security forces in their mission to restore peace and stability in the region.
