Targeted attacks: Two security officials killed in Bannu, Malakand

Mamash Khel check post in Bannu was attacked with grenades and assault rifles.

BANNU/ SAKHAKOT: Two security officials were killed and two others were injured in separate attacks in Bannu and Malakand Agency on Thursday.

Bannu

A police constable was gunned down after unidentified militants attacked the Mamash Khel police check post in Bannu cantonment on Thursday.

Bannu DSP Sanaullah Khan said unidentified men attacked the check post with grenades and assault rifles at around 1am. He added they fired continuously at the check post, injuring the DSP’s gunner, Constable Mumtaz Alam.



Soon after the militants opened fire, heavy police contingents rushed to the spot to retaliate. The injured constable was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The body of the constable was later taken to his hometown in Bannu following funeral prayers, which were held at the Police Lines.

Levies official targeted

A levies official was killed and two others severely injured when unidentified militants opened fire at their vehicle in Sakhakot Bazaar of Malakand Agency on Thursday.

According to Sakhakot Levies official Faridullah, the incident occurred at 6:30pm when Hawaldar Hayat Gul and two other officials were patrolling the market. “Unidentified militants opened fire at their vehicle and escaped. Gul died on the spot while the other two sustained injuries,” Farid said.

He added the firing caused panic in the market and people rushed to hide in safe places. A heavy contingent of levies officials arrived at the spot and cordoned off the area. They also launched a search operation for the assailants.

Hayat Gul’s body and the injured officials identified as Amanullah and Ameer Nawab were shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Dargai. Doctors administered first aid to the wounded and referred them to a hospital in Peshawar.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2013.