ISLAMABAD: Two policemen were killed in a gun attack in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, police said on Friday, amid a surge in militancy in the region.
KP, which borders Afghanistan, has witnessed an increase in militant attacks, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups frequently targeting security forces, police and government officials.
The latest attack by the TTP targeted a police patrol vehicle in KP’s Mohmand district, resulting in the killing of Station House Officer Zaitullah and Elite Force constable Noor Zeb, according to a Mohmand police spokesman.
“During the cowardly attack by the Fitna Al-Khawarij (TTP) terrorists last night, both the men fought bravely and died,” the spokesman said, adding that senior officials offered funeral prayers for the slain cops after which the deceased were laid to rest with state honors.
Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of supporting militant outfits such as the TTP and others who carry out attacks against its law enforcers and civilians. The Afghan Taliban deny the allegations and urge Pakistan to resolve its security challenges.
Islamabad has also carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan this year against what it says were militant hideouts and infrastructure in response to attacks in Pakistan’s western regions bordering Afghanistan. The move has triggered fierce clashes between the neighbors since Feb.
