A deadly armed attack in northwestern Pakistan has left at least 10 police officers and 18 militants dead following an intense exchange of gunfire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The incident occurred in the Kohat district when a police team came under attack while returning from an operation targeting illegal gold mining activities. The confrontation resulted in significant casualties and triggered an emergency security response across the area.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about worsening militant violence and the security situation in Pakistan’s northwestern regions.

Police Convoy Ambushed Near Kohat

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the incident took place in the Darbukach area, within the jurisdiction of Gumbat police station in Kohat district.

The police team had participated in a joint operation with the local administration against illegal gold mining activities.

Officials said armed attackers opened fire on the police contingent as personnel were returning after completing the operation.

Police officers responded to the attack, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire between the two sides.

Authorities subsequently deployed additional security personnel to the affected area to strengthen security and support the operation.

10 Police Officers Lose Their Lives

The provincial police confirmed that 10 personnel were killed during the confrontation.

Among those who lost their lives was Deputy Superintendent of Police Haidar Zaman, according to local reporting.

The deaths have caused widespread grief among police personnel and their families.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Jawad Afridi said emergency teams transported 12 injured police officers to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

Medical facilities in the region were placed on alert to handle the incoming casualties.

18 Militants Reportedly Killed

Police authorities reported that 18 attackers were killed during the exchange of fire.

The provincial police identified the attackers as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, a designation used by the Pakistani state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The TTP also claimed responsibility for the attack, according to international media reports.

However, detailed independent information about the identities of all those killed and the precise circumstances of the confrontation remains limited.

Illegal Gold Mining Operation Behind Security Mission

The police team had been conducting an operation against unauthorised gold extraction in the Kohat region.

Illegal placer gold mining has become a concern for local authorities because it can involve unauthorised machinery, criminal networks and activities that undermine government regulations.

Before the attack, the district administration had introduced restrictions on the use and parking of excavators near designated mining areas.

Officials also imposed restrictions on the sale and supply of petroleum products in open containers, aiming to prevent their use in unauthorised mining operations.

Police have alleged that criminal groups and militants were connected to the illegal mining activities. These allegations remain subject to further investigation.

Government Condemns Attack

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the incident and requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities.

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and said those responsible should face justice.

Government representatives also praised the police personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.

Authorities are expected to continue security operations and investigate the alleged connections between militant groups and illegal mining networks.

Pakistan Faces Growing Security Challenges

The latest attack highlights the continuing security difficulties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province bordering Afghanistan that has experienced repeated militant attacks.

Police stations, security checkpoints and patrol teams have increasingly faced threats from armed groups operating in the region.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Pakistani Taliban of organising attacks against its security forces. The group has intensified its activities in recent years, creating additional challenges for law enforcement agencies.

The latest incident could lead to stronger security deployments and further operations against militant networks in the province.

Conclusion

The deaths of 10 policemen and 18 militants in the Kohat confrontation mark another serious security incident in northwestern Pakistan.

The attack, which occurred after a police operation against illegal gold mining, has highlighted the complicated relationship between organised crime, militant violence and regional instability.

As investigations continue, authorities face the challenge of bringing those responsible to justice while strengthening security for police personnel and local communities.