Kohat: A police constable from Kohat embraced martyrdom while fighting suspected suicide attackers during an intelligence-based operation in Peshawar on Friday, in which the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) foiled a major terror plot and killed one terrorist.
Constable Muhammad Afaaq was martyred during an exchange of fire in the Garhi Sherdad area near Warsak Road, while three other CTD personnel sustained injuries, according to police and CTD accounts.
According to the CTD, credible intelligence had indicated that three suspected suicide bombers had entered Peshawar and were preparing to target a sensitive installation. Following detailed technical analysis, CTD teams, district police and personnel of a relevant intelligence agency launched the intelligence-based operation in the area.
During the operation, one of the terrorists reportedly reached a rooftop and opened fire on the CTD party while attempting to escape. The CTD personnel returned fire, killing the attacker.
Constable Muhammad Afaaq embraced martyrdom in the ensuing exchange of fire. Three other CTD personnel were injured, according to the CTD account.
A search and clearance operation was subsequently launched to apprehend the remaining two suspected attackers. Additional security personnel were deployed in the area and the search was expanded in view of possible threats.
The operation was supervised by Additional Inspector General CTD Jawad Qamar, while Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed was among the senior officials who later attended the funeral of the martyred policeman at Peshawar Police Headquarters.
The police leadership paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of personnel engaged in counter-terrorism operations and reiterated determination to continue action against terrorism.