In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic incident unfolded in Mianwali, Punjab, as terrorists launched an attack on a police patrolling post and during the exchange of gunfire, two terrorists were killed, but a valiant police officer made the ultimate sacrifice and was martyred in the line of duty.
Punjab police chief Usman Anwar provided details of the incident in a statement. According to Usman Anwar, a group of 10 to 12 terrorists mounted an attack on the Kundal patrolling post, situated in the hilly terrain of Mianwali. The fierce gun battle ensued when the militants targeted the police check post.
During the encounter, at least two terrorists were neutralized by the swift and brave response of a policeman stationed on the roof of a nearby building. Tragically, one police officer lost his life during the exchange of fire, defending the post against the attackers.
The terrorists launched their assault on the police check post from two directions, intensifying the confrontation. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) swiftly mobilized and joined the operation to eliminate the attackers.
The operation against the terrorists was carried out meticulously, especially as darkness fell in the hilly terrain, complicating the situation.
Punjab’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) stated that the police had received prior information about the terrorist attack. He also mentioned that foreign elements were suspected to be involved in the recent wave of terrorist activities in the country.
IGP Usman Anwar emphasized that the motives behind such acts of terrorism were widely known, and efforts were underway to identify the terrorists responsible, with results expected within the next two to four hours.
Simultaneously, a CTD spokesperson revealed that a search operation was initiated to apprehend any remaining terrorists. The entire area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of the public.
Subsequent investigations confirmed the identities of the slain terrorists. They were identified as Zubair Nawaz and Muhammad Khan, affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Both individuals were associated with the TTP’s Tipu group. Zubair Nawaz, in particular, was wanted in Punjab for his involvement in sectarian killings, extortion, and other serious offenses.
The identification of these terrorists was made possible through the collective efforts of intelligence agencies and the utilization of advanced technology.
