At least 10 police officers were killed and 28 others wounded when suspected militants attacked a police post in Khazina Banda, Hangu district, in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Police said the assault triggered heavy fighting, during which 15 militants were also killed as security forces launched a counteroffensive.
How many police officers were killed in the Hangu attack?
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that 10 police personnel died and 28 were injured in the attack. Among the wounded was Deputy Superintendent of Police Mujahid Khan, a senior officer. Hameed said 15 militants were also killed as security forces fought back against the assault.
Where did the attack take place?
The attack targeted a police post in the Khazina Banda area of Hangu district, according to District Police Officer Habib Khan. Hangu lies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near Pakistan's border regions with Afghanistan. The district has frequently witnessed attacks by militant groups targeting security forces, government officials and civilians.
What happened to the wounded officers?
The injured were first taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Hangu for emergency treatment. Officers in critical condition were later moved to hospitals in Peshawar, the provincial capital, for specialized care. Police said security forces remained engaged in the area for several hours after the attack.
What weapons did the militants use?
Police said the attackers used heavy weapons along with a quadcopter drone during the assault. The drone caused additional damage to police positions and contributed to the casualties. Police, the Counter Terrorism Department and the paramilitary Thall Scouts surrounded the militants as clearance operations continued.
Who claimed responsibility for the attack?
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, claimed responsibility for the assault. The group said its militants destroyed three security vehicles, seized another and captured seven police personnel alive during the clashes. These claims could not be independently verified.
What is the situation in Hangu now?
Officials said intermittent gunfire continued to be reported from the area as security forces maintained search and clearance operations after surrounding the site. There were concerns that additional police and security personnel may have been killed or wounded as rescue efforts continued alongside the operation. Earlier, officials said at least five suspected militants had been killed, with several others believed killed or wounded.
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