Militants launched an attack on a police station in Tank District late Monday but were forced to retreat after an effective defensive and retaliatory response by security forces.
According to sources, the assault targeted the Malazai police station, where attackers used both light and heavy weapons. Police personnel responded swiftly, engaging the militants in a sustained exchange of fire and successfully thwarting the attack.
One police officer was martyred during the gun battle. Security officials said multiple militants were killed and injured in the retaliatory action, while others managed to flee the scene under pressure.
Following the attackers’ retreat, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the fleeing militants and secure the vicinity.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after recent attacks in Bajaur, Kohat, Karak, and Bannu. Officials have stated that instead of acting against militant sanctuaries as demanded, the Afghan Taliban carried out unprovoked attacks at multiple locations across five districts of the province.
In response, Pakistan initiated Operation Ghazab Lil Haqq, conducting targeted strikes at 51 locations inside Afghanistan. According to official figures, more than 435 Taliban operatives have been killed and over 630 injured. Security forces have destroyed 188 Taliban checkpoints and taken control of 31 positions. Additionally, 188 tanks, armored vehicles and artillery guns have been reported destroyed as part of the ongoing operation.
Security authorities say operations will continue until militant threats are neutralized and cross-border attacks are effectively deterred.
