Ten policemen were martyred and 18 terrorists killed during a fierce gunfight in an operation against illegal gold mining in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat district, police confirmed on Wednesday. The joint action by KP Police and the local civil administration targeted those involved in illegal mining at Darabo Kach near Kohat.
According to officials, the Fitna al-Khawarij and criminal elements launched an ambush on the police party as it was returning after completing the operation. The personnel responded with exceptional courage and determination. In the intense exchange of fire that followed, 18 militants were eliminated while ten KP policemen laid down their lives fighting bravely.
Police described the attack as clear evidence of organised links between criminal mafias and the Fitna al-Khawarij. They stated that these groups were acting at the behest of external forces to achieve their harmful goals. Officials firmly declared that the Fitna al-Khawarij have nothing to do with Islam or Pakistan and are working hand in hand with criminal networks.
The department vowed to take every possible step against both the criminal elements and the militants. Facilitators of these groups will not be spared under any circumstances, and no illegal activity will be allowed to continue. The martyred officers belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the Kohat area, and their sacrifices will always be remembered with honour.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in cross-border terrorist incidents, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. The country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years during September 2026. Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed 225 attacks that month, up from 199 in August. Islamabad has repeatedly asked Kabul to stop its territory from being used by militant groups for attacks inside Pakistan. Despite several rounds of talks, differences remain, with the presence of such groups on Afghan soil continuing as a major point of contention.
