Three peace body members, two cops martyred in Bannu attacks

BANNU: Three members of a peace committee and two cops were martyred in separate attacks in various areas of the Bannu district, sources said on Saturday.

Unidentified armed assailants attacked the office of peace committee in Gurbaz area in the jurisdiction of Uthmanzai Police Station on the Bannu-Miranshah Road, leaving three people dead and 10 others injured.

Police sources said that dozens of unidentified gunmen carried out the assault by using heavy weapons. In response, members of the peace committee retaliated with gunfire, injuring nine attackers. The injured peace body members were taken to a hospital, where they were stated to be out of danger. Following the attack, security in the area was beefed up.

The police launched an investigation into the attack to apprehend those responsible. It may be mentioned here that Qadir Zaman, the head of the peace committee, is regarded as a staunch ally of the government and local administration. He played a crucial role in maintaining peace and resolving disputes between the government and local population.

Meanwhile, terrorists martyred two cops in an attack on the Fatehkhel police check-post in Bannu early Saturday. The sources said that one cop was injured in the attack.

Regional Police Officer (RPO), Bannu Range, Imran Shahid, visited the check-post following the incident. The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday when unidentified assailants opened fire on the check-post using small and heavy weapons. The police personnel stationed at the check-post immediately responded with retaliatory fire and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire. However, during the assault, two policemen identified as Rahimullah and Ziaullah Khan were martyred. Another cop, Laiq Zaman, was injured in the attack.

Upon receiving reports of the attack, District Police Officer (DPO) Ziauddin Ahmed, accompanied by a heavy police contingent, rushed to the check-post.

RPO Imran Shahid visited Fatehkhel check-post and met the police personnel.