Two cops martyred in Lakki terror attack

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Two policemen and a private security company employee were martyred in two back to back terrorist attacks in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), while security forces killed a terrorist in an operation, police reported on Monday.

In the first incident, two policemen were martyred when terrorists opened fire near Khairukhel Pakka. The officers were on duty, heading to a local police station to collect official correspondence.

The martyred policemen were identified as Hikmatullah of the Pezo police station and Khan Bahadur of the Shahbazkhel police station. Both of them belonged to the Khairukhel village, where they were laid to rest with police honours following their funeral at the Lakki Police Lines.

In the second incident later in the day, the police said, unknown men attacked a bank vehicle with rocket launchers on Manjiwala Link Road. As a result, an employee of a private security company was martyred while two others sustained injuries.

The body and the two injured were shifted to a city hospital. According to the police, both the injured were unable to give their statements; therefore, the police would not say whether it was a robbery attempt. On the other hand, a militant was killed in an operation by security forces.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack on police officers in Lakki Marwat. Paying tribute to the fallen heroes, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring safety of law-enforcement personnel.

"We salute the sacrifices of the martyred officers who have set an example of courage and dedication," said Naqvi. He emphasised the historic contributions of the K-P police in the fight against terrorism, stating that their bravery and sacrifices would always be remembered and honored.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)