Three cops martyred in KP attacks

PESHAWAR: At least three policemen were martyred as attacks on the personnel of the police and security forces continued in the province on Friday, officials said.

Attacks on police as well as security forces have recorded an increase during the holy month, especially in the last over a week.

A policeman, Nasrullah, was martyred in Bannu district while another cop Hashim Khan was targeted by motorcyclists in Serai Naurang area of the adjacent Lakki Marwat.

Another constable, Niaz, embraced martyrdom and an assistant sub-inspector was wounded when proclaimed offenders opened fire on a police party in Swat.

“As many as 31 policemen have been martyred during the current year,” said spokesman for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. He added the police stations and posts in many areas have been strengthened after the recent attacks while special CTD teams have been constituted to after the elements in respective districts.

Police in different districts have been imparted training to use thermal imaging guns to detect any suspicious movement during the night.

Besides, a soldier, Imranullah, was martyred when armed men attacked him in Sabirabad area of Karak district where he had come home on leave. Another security personnel was wounded in an attack on a post in Mohmand.

A photo which appeared on social media showed the flag of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan on an abandoned police post in Bannu district. The post was vacated for being vulnerable due to lack of manpower and facilities to counter attacks.