Pakistan: 18 Terrorists, 10 Policemen Killed In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gold Mining Operation

At least 18 militants and 10 Pakistani policemen were killed in a gunfight in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kohat district on Wednesday, November 11. Another 12 police personnel were injured after gunmen ambushed a team returning from an operation against illegal gold mining.

The attack took place in the Darabukach area near Gumbat, where police and local administration officials had conducted a joint operation. According to police, militants opened fire on the team as it was returning. The exchange of fire continued for hours.

The police identified the attackers as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group later claimed responsibility for the attack. Among the 10 policemen killed were Deputy Superintendent of Police Haidar Zaman and Sub-Inspector Mukhtiar.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Jawad Afridi said 12 injured officers were taken to hospital. Reports also said two police vehicles were set on fire, while two other police vehicles and a private vehicle went missing.

The attack came amid a crackdown on illegal gold mining. A day earlier, Kohat authorities had imposed a 60-day ban on parking excavators near gold mining areas. They had also restricted the sale and supply of fuel in open containers to prevent unauthorised mining.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack and sought a detailed report. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the slain officers and said the government would not compromise on national security.

The attack comes amid rising militant violence in Pakistan. The country recorded 225 terrorist attacks in September, its highest monthly figure in 12 years, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of allowing TTP militants to operate from its territory. Kabul has denied the allegations. Tensions between the two neighbours have continued despite several rounds of talks.