SWAT/ BANNU: A terrorist attack on the Chatkekal police post near Jarogo Waterfall in Upper Swat was foiled after police personnel mounted a strong counterattack late on Sunday night, District Police Officer (DPO) Mushtaq Ahmad said.

According to police, more than 12 terrorists surrounded the post and opened fire from all sides. The police personnel deployed at the post immediately retaliated with effective gunfire, forcing the attackers to retreat and flee the area.

Initial reports suggest that two terrorists were injured in the exchange of fire. Security personnel have intensified surveillance in the area, while further details are being ascertained.

The DPO praised the personnel deployed at the post for their prompt response and bravery, saying Swat police remained at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.

“Such cowardly attacks cannot demoralise Swat Police. Our personnel know how to respond effectively to terrorist attacks,” he said.

The attack came a week after a suicide bombing near the Kabal Police Station in Swat district claimed 17 lives, including seven policemen.

The blast took place while a protest against lawlessness was under way at the adjoining Kabal Chowk.

On Friday, thousands of people from across Swat district gathered at Nishat Chowk in Mingora to condemn the suicide bombing and to reaffirm their commitment to peace in the valley.

Security personnel and law enforcers have been coming under attack in KP, which continues to face terrorism.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS), security personnel deaths in KP, excluding merged districts, increased from 12 in June to 38 in July and terrorist deaths from 37 to 108, reflecting a rise by 192pc.

But civilian deaths fell from 26 to seven, a decline by 73pc. One peace committee member was also killed.

Constable martyred, terrorist killed

Separately, a cop was martyred in Bannu when unidentified attackers, suspected to be terrorists, opened fire on him near the Hamza Tablighi Markaz located along the Bannu-Miranshah Road in the Baka Khel area, police said.

Police said Constable Anwarullah Khan, who was deployed at the Baka Khel police station, died at the scene while the attackers fled.

The officials added that a large contingent of police reached the site after receiving information about the attack, cordoned off the area and launched a search for the assailants.

They said evidence from the crime scene was being collected and efforts were underway to identify and arrest those involved in the attack.

Meanwhile, one terrorist was killed and several suspects were taken into custody during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu’s Miryan area, according to a press release issued by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

The operation was conducted on the directives of KP Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed under the supervision of Bannu DPO Capt (retd) Mohammad Furqan Bilal in Khanni Kala, Barkazai and adjoining areas.

The CTD said an exchange of fire took place between law-enforcement personnel and terrorists, resulting in the killing of an unidentified terrorist. The body was taken into custody and the identification process was initiated.

“A Kalashnikov, three magazines and a bandolier were recovered from the slain terrorist”, it said.

Several suspects were also detained during search and raid operations in the area, while further investigation was under way.

The DPO praised the participating personnel for the successful operation and said IBOs would be intensified to make Bannu a peaceful place and eliminate terrorism and crime.

He also urged residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies and immediately report any suspicious activity or persons to the police, according to the CTD.

Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.

This has prompted targeted counterterrorism operations by police and security forces.

Last month, security forces killed 24 terrorists in Bannu district and its adjoining areas, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Police later said another terrorist was killed as an operation continued for the third day.

On July 23, security officials said the number of suspected militants killed during the operation had risen to 48.