At least six civilians were killed and 13 others injured when two mortar shells fired by terrorists struck a populated area during a police search operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district on Thursday, according to officials.
According to police sources, a search operation was launched following intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Zargari and Do Ruddi Banda areas. As the police party moved in, the assailants opened fire using small and heavy weapons. During the exchange, two mortar rounds landed on civilian dwellings, causing casualties.
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The dead and wounded were immediately taken to Civil Hospital Hangu. Medical Superintendent Dr Haleemur Rehman confirmed that six bodies and 13 injured persons were brought to the facility. He added that five of the wounded, who were in critical condition, were referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical care.
Police cordoned off the entire area and continued their operation against the militants.
The attack sparked grief and anger among residents, who demanded enhanced security measures to protect civilian populations from the spillover effects of counter-militancy operations.
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