Kohat: A recent operation by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in Kohat District has resulted in the deaths of ten police officers and eighteen militants associated with the group Fitna al-Khawarij. The operation targeted illegal gold mining activities and led to an armed confrontation with the militants.

According to Radio Pakistan, the police operation, conducted in Darabokach near Kohat, was aimed at dismantling illegal mining operations in collaboration with local civil authorities. Following the completion of the operation, police forces were ambushed by militants allegedly working in conjunction with criminal entities. The ensuing conflict resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with police forces managing to kill eighteen militants from Fitna al-Khawarij.

The Director of Public Relations for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police noted that the police officers were returning from the operation when they were attacked by militants acting at the behest of criminal groups. The police response was swift, but the encounter led to the tragic loss of ten officers.

Authorities have highlighted the connection between the criminal elements and the militant group, suggesting that these groups are operating under the influence of foreign powers. The coordinated nature of the attack underscores the organized links between these entities.

Officials have vowed to take decisive action against the facilitators of Fitna al-Khawarij and criminal mafias, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities in the region.