Three policemen killed, one injured in Lakki Marwat attack

TTP Shah Hassan Khel claim responsibility, warn of more attacks if their men not released.

PESHAWAR: Three policemen were killed and one injured in an attack by Taliban militants in the Shahbazkhel area of Lakki Marwat late Wednesday night. Security forces launched a search operation in the area immediately after the attack.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has seen a rise in militant attacks since the start of the new year, with the southern parts of the province suffering the brunt of these attacks.

“Four men were on a routine check when an explosion took place on the opposite side of the road when they reached the stop at Bulandkhel,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Syed Nawaz Marwat while talking to The Express Tribune. Militants, in an ambush, opened fire on the security personnel when they got out of their vehicle.

“It seems that the explosion was a distraction. Even though our men tried to counter the attack, the militants hid at an intermittent distance and kept on firing,” said Marwat.

Those killed today were identified as Jan Muhammad, Munawwar Khan and driver Zahid Ullah. Islamuddin was injured in the attack.

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Shah Hassan Khel spokesperson, Mansoor called media personnel and claimed responsibility for the attack. He said it was in reaction to a search operation where a number of TTP men had been taken into custody.

“If they are not released, we will continue,” he said.

Shah Hassan Khel was one of the biggest 'militant training centres' prior to the launch of a full-fledged operation by security forces in 2009. A suicide bomber had struck at a volleyball match in the area on January 1, 2010, killing more than 100 people.