Terrorist behind Hangu DPO attack, killed in operation

Peshawar: After attack on DPO Khalid Mahmood in a militant attack a key terrorist killed in a operation during police operation in the Naryab area of Hangu, the terrorist was involved in the attack of DPO.

According to the police source, the operation was launched on intelligence based report on the brief exchange of fire, where the police personnel were remained safe.

However, the terrorist involved in the attack on the DPO was killed by firing from his own accomplices, the police added.

The development comes against the backdrop of a fierce exchange of fire that broke out between security forces and militants in Hangu’s Shinawari Zargari area on July 19.

DPO Khalid, who was leading the operation, sustained three gunshot wounds during the clash, and was shifted to Peshawar for medical treatment.

During the firefight, the security forces neutralized nine terrorists.

The incident comes amid a troubling surge in militant activity, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The uptick follows the return of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2021, which has emboldened extremist elements across the border.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the month of May witnessed an increase in militant incidents. The group recorded 85 attacks in May, a slight rise from 81 in April — but the impact was far more severe.

The recent wave of attacks resulted in 113 deaths, including 52 security personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and 4 members of peace committees. Injuries surged to 182 individuals, comprising 130 civilians—up sharply from 53 in April—47 security personnel (a decrease from 59), 4 militants, and 1 peace committee member.

Although the overall number of attacks rose by only 5%, the situation has become significantly more alarming. A 73% increase in security personnel fatalities and a 145% spike in civilian injuries highlight a rapidly escalating threat to both the armed forces and the general public.