Two police officers were martyred after unidentified gunmen ambushed a police patrol near Shah Alam Mor in the Daraban Kalan area of Dera Ismail Khan, adding to growing security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following a series of attacks on law enforcement personnel.
According to police officials, the officers were returning after responding to a protest triggered by the earlier killing of a civilian when their patrol came under gunfire. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Faqir Hussain and Head Constable Wazir Khan were killed in the attack, while authorities immediately launched a search operation to locate those responsible.
Police said the attackers fled the scene after opening fire. Security personnel quickly cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence as part of the investigation. Authorities have not yet identified the gunmen or confirmed whether the attack was linked to any militant group.
The ambush comes amid a recent rise in attacks targeting police stations, security checkpoints and patrol teams across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Law enforcement agencies have stepped up intelligence-based operations in several districts as part of ongoing efforts to counter militant activity in the province.
Senior police officials paid tribute to the two officers, describing them as dedicated personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their duties. Condolences were also extended to the bereaved families, with officials reaffirming that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The latest attack underscores the continuing security challenges facing police forces operating in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where personnel remain on the frontline of counterterrorism and public security operations. Frequent incidents of violence have also affected transport, local administration and economic activity in several districts.
Investigations into the ambush are ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to rely only on verified information as security agencies continue efforts to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the assault.
