KOHAT – At least seven policemen were injured when unidentified militants launched a late-night attack on the Shadipur police post in Gumbat tehsil of Kohat, police said.
The attackers opened heavy and indiscriminate fire on the police post and lobbed hand grenades, prompting personnel stationed there to mount a strong retaliatory response, according to a police spokesman.
The exchange of fire continued for some time before the attackers were forced to retreat and flee the area. Police said several militants were killed or wounded during the gunbattle, though the claim could not be independently verified.
Local sources said the attackers also set a police mobile pickup and a private car on fire during the assault. Seven policemen sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to hospital for treatment. Their condition was later reported to be out of danger, the police spokesman said.
After the attack, police cordoned off the area and launched an extensive search operation to track down the fleeing attackers. Security was also tightened in and around the area as law-enforcement personnel continued efforts to locate those involved.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kohat Irfan Tariq and District Police Officer (DPO) Kohat Ray Mazhar Iqbal later visited the Shadipur police post and met with the personnel deployed there. The officers encouraged the policemen and commended them for their response to the attack.
Earlier, the RPO and DPO, accompanied by Kohat Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nawaz Wazir, visited Divisional Headquarters Hospital Kohat and met the injured policemen. The officials inquired about their condition and wished them a speedy recovery.
Kohat police reiterated their commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and maintaining law and order, saying their personnel would continue to confront security threats despite the risks involved.
