At least four police officers were killed and two others injured on Wednesday when militants attacked a police team in Pakistan’s northwestern region, officials said.
The assault took place in Dera Ismail Khan district, a strategic area near the tribal districts of South Waziristan and Tank, known for recurring militant activity.
District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada said the attack occurred during a police operation in the Wanda Budh area, where militants opened fire on the team.
Four officers, including the Station House Officer (SHO) Faheem Mumtaz, were killed, while two others, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Adnan Khan, were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The other deceased officers have been identified as Tauqeer, Adnan, and Ghulam.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has frequently targeted security forces and government officials in the district. Earlier, unidentified militants also opened fire on a DSP in the Kulachi area, prompting a swift response by police and security forces.
Police spokesperson Zulqarnain Yaqoob said at least 13 suspects have been arrested following raids on militant hideouts, and several nearby houses were cleared as part of ongoing search operations. Checkpoints have been established to prevent further attacks and support investigations.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, calling the sacrifices of the officers “immense and unforgettable” and highlighting the police’s frontline role in combating militancy.
“The police remain at the forefront in the fight against terrorism, and such cowardly acts will not weaken their resolve,” he said, stressing the need for a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate militancy.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also denounced the attack, praising the police for confronting terrorism on the frontlines and reaffirming that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
Dera Ismail Khan district, situated at a strategic junction linking the settled districts to Pakistan’s tribal belt, has long faced security challenges. Extremist networks have historically exploited the porous borders and rugged terrain of neighboring areas, including South Waziristan, to carry out attacks against security forces and government officials.
Authorities have maintained heightened security measures, including frequent operations and checkpoints, to counter militancy and prevent cross-border infiltration.
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