KP Police Lose 10 Men as 18 Militants Die in Kohat Gold Mining Operation
Police say 18 militants were also killed after the attack on a returning team in Darabo Kach, as officials point to a link between criminal mafias and extremist groups.
KP Kohat – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – A Kohat gold mining operation ended in a deadly clash on Wednesday. Ten policemen lost their lives, and 18 militants were killed in the gunfight, police said.
The raid was carried out by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the local civil administration. It targeted people involved in illegal gold mining at Darabo Kach, near Kohat.
Police said the attack happened while the team was returning after finishing the operation. The attackers, described by police as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” struck at the request of criminal elements.
The officers fought back with great courage. Their response led to the deaths of 18 attackers. Ten policemen were martyred in the clash.
Police said the attack shows a clear link between criminal mafias and militant groups. They said the militants are working with these gangs to reach their harmful goals.
The force promised strong action. Police said that those who help the militants and the criminal mafias will not be spared, and that no illegal activity will be allowed.
All the martyred policemen belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Kohat district. Police said their sacrifices will always be remembered.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief over the loss. He named Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Haidar Zaman among those who were martyred.
In a late-night statement, the prime minister strongly condemned the attack and offered his condolences to the families. He said the KP police showed great duty, courage and bravery.
He called the fallen policemen heroes of the nation. He also said the link between criminals and militants is a bad attempt to spread unrest in the country.
The prime minister said there would be no compromise on peace and stability. He added that the government is determined to end terrorism.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in cross-border attacks, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country recorded 225 militant attacks in September. That was the highest monthly number in 12 years, and 13% more than August.
Islamabad says Kabul has not acted strongly against groups that attack Pakistan. Despite several rounds of talks, the two sides have not settled this issue.
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