At least 10 police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and a Sub-Inspector, were martyred and several others injured when armed men attacked a police party conducting an operation against illegal gold mining along the Indus River in Kohat district on Wednesday.
According to initial reports, the attackers also set five police vehicles on fire during the assault in the Drab Kach area of Khushal Garh.
The incident occurred when police personnel and officials from the Minerals Department reached the area to launch an operation against illegal gold extraction and placer gold mining activities along the river.
Armed men opened heavy fire on the police party, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. At least 10 personnel lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.
DSP Gumbat Haider Zaman and Sub-Inspector Mukhtiar were among those martyred, according to preliminary reports.
Following the attack, senior police officials rushed to the site with a heavy contingent of personnel. Rescue 1122 teams also arrived and shifted the bodies of the martyred officers and injured personnel to the Divisional Headquarters Teaching Hospital in Kohat.
An emergency was declared at the hospital to deal with the casualties. Authorities also appealed for blood donations to support the treatment of the injured police personnel.
Operation Against Illegal Gold Mining
The operation had reportedly been launched on the directions of the Kohat divisional commissioner and district administration to stop illegal gold mining in the area.
The administration had previously instructed individuals involved in illegal gold extraction and placer mining to stop their activities and vacate the designated locations.
It had warned that anyone violating the orders would face strict action, including the confiscation of heavy machinery and equipment and the imposition of substantial fines.
The area has previously witnessed violence linked to gold mining disputes. A few months ago, an armed clash between two rival groups over mining activities at the same location left four people dead and two others injured.
The latest attack highlights the security challenges facing authorities as they attempt to curb illegal mining activities in the region.