KOHAT: Twelve police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured when officers came under fire during an operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat district on Wednesday, police said.
The incident occurred in Darbukach, within the Gumbat police station area, where police were conducting an operation targeting illegal mining along the Indus River.
Police said the patrol was ambushed by armed men, whom they described as members of Fitna al-Khawarij and criminal elements. DSP Haider Zaman and Gumbat Station House Officer Ayaz Afridi were among those wounded. All injured officers were taken to hospital.
The attackers also set a police vehicle on fire, according to police. An exchange of fire was continuing, and additional police and security force personnel had arrived at the scene.
Kohat District Police Officer said the search for the suspects was ongoing and the operation would continue. Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir Ali Shah said an emergency had been declared at Kohat District Headquarters Hospital.
