Daijiworld Media Network – Peshawar

Peshawar, Jul 30: At least nine security personnel and 15 militants were killed during an anti-terror operation in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Thursday.

The operation was launched in Hangu district following a militant attack on a police check post on Wednesday. According to police, reinforcements were rushed to the area after the initial assault, but the vehicle carrying additional personnel also came under heavy militant fire.

A police spokesperson said nine security personnel lost their lives in the operation, while 28 others sustained injuries.

Security forces retaliated, leading to an intense exchange of fire in which 15 militants were killed and several others were injured, police added.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi condemned the attack and sought a detailed report on the incident. He paid tribute to the slain personnel, expressed condolences to their families, and directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.

The province has witnessed frequent militant violence in recent years due to cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan and repeated counter-terror operations. Pakistan has accused the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of carrying out attacks in the region since the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in November 2022.