Targeted attack: Militants ambush police van, kill two officials

ASI and constable gunned down, four others injured.

SWABI:

Two police officials were killed and four others were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at a police van in Parmoli area of Swabi on Friday.

Parmoli police SHO Munsif Khan said he was on his way to the police station from Shewa Adda along with other police officials at around 12:45am when militants ambushed the van. A prisoner earlier arrested for aerial firing was also in the vehicle.

“Two officials stepped out of the van and returned fire, forcing the militants to flee,” said Munsif, claiming the gunmen were injured in the retaliation. However, ASI Mairajul Haq and Constable Jameel Syed died on the spot as a result of the shoot-out. “They were shot multiple times in the chest. I narrowly escaped from the spray of bullets myself,” he said.

The injured included constables Sultan Ali and Sardar, driver Rifayat Ali and prisoner Mansoor. Following the incident, Munsif informed his station and heavy police contingents arrived at the spot. The slain and injured were taken to District Headquarters Hospital, Swabi while a search operation was launched in the surrounding areas. No arrests have yet been made.

Funeral prayers for Haq and Jameel were offered in the lawn of district police officer’s (DPO) office at around 10am, following which Haq’s body was taken to his hometown in Haripur and Jameel’s to Hamza Dher. Both deceased men were presented guard of honour and a number of senior police officials attended the funeral.

The SHO said all injured men are in stable condition while a case has been registered against unidentified militants.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2013.