A major security operation against militants in the Zargari area of Hangu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulted in a fierce gun battle on Saturday. The District Police Officer (DPO) of Hangu, Khalid Khan, the SHO of Doaba Police Station, Nabi Khan, and several other security personnel were injured during the operation. Nine terrorists have been killed in the operation.

Sources state that the militants had taken refuge in a mosque in the Shinawari Zargari area of Hangu, from where they opened fire on security forces. A strong response was launched by a combined force of Scouts, Frontier Corps (FC), police, and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel. Heavy gunfire was exchanged for the past two hours.

Police officials confirmed that the DPO, Muhammad Khalid, and other senior officers were present during the operation. While several militants are reported killed or injured, the exact number of casualties cannot be confirmed until the operation concludes. The security operation in the area is ongoing.

The Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has issued a statement to the media, assuring that the DPO was hit by three bullets but is out of danger and that operations against militants will continue.