Police in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province announced in an official statement that 10 police officers and 18 militants were killed during clashes between security forces and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). An additional 12 police officers were injured in the incident.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, the fighting broke out following a joint operation conducted by police and local civilian authorities against individuals who were illegally mining gold near the Kohat area. The police convoy was targeted on its way back.
The official statement indicated that the attack was instigated by what authorities described as criminal elements. Police stated that the encounter shows that organized crime mafias and the TTP operate in close coordination with each other.
Authorities emphasized in the statement that facilitators of the militants and the criminal mafia would face severe consequences and no illegal activities would be tolerated. Police added that every possible action would be taken against both groups.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most volatile province in Pakistan. The government in Islamabad has repeatedly alleged that militants orchestrate cross-border attacks using Afghan territory, an accusation that Kabul denies.
Relations between the Taliban government and Pakistan have deteriorated significantly since border clashes in October last year led to border crossing closures. The Taliban deny supporting militancy in Pakistan and instead accuse Islamabad of harbouring their opponents.
Source: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police
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