A deadly attack on a police contingent in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has resulted in the martyrdom of 10 police officers and the reported deaths of 18 militants during an ensuing gunbattle. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, when police personnel came under attack while returning from an operation against illegal gold-mining activities in the area.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the attack took place in the Darabukach locality near Kohat. Two senior police officers were among those who lost their lives. Rescue 1122 also confirmed that 12 injured police personnel were transported to hospital following the incident.
The Associated Press reported that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack. Police stated that 18 militants were killed during the exchange of fire, which reportedly continued for several hours.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where law-enforcement personnel continue to face serious security challenges.
Details of the Deadly Kohat Police Attack
Police Contingent Targeted After Returning From Operation
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the incident occurred when a police contingent was returning after completing an operation against individuals allegedly involved in illegal gold-mining activities.
The operation was conducted jointly by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the local civil administration in the Darabukach area near Kohat. The authorities had been taking action against unauthorised mining activities and the use of machinery associated with illegal gold extraction.
Police stated that the contingent came under attack while returning from the operation. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the police personnel, triggering an exchange of fire that continued for several hours.
The attack resulted in casualties among police personnel, while authorities reported that several attackers were also killed during the encounter.
Attack Reported in the Gumbat Police Station Area
The incident took place within the jurisdiction of Gumbat Police Station in Kohat district. Following the attack, additional police personnel were dispatched to the affected location to reinforce the security response.
Authorities also strengthened security arrangements in the surrounding areas and initiated further action to establish the circumstances of the incident.
The attack occurred in an area where the district administration had already been taking measures to restrict illegal mining activities.
Ten Police Officers Martyred in the Incident
Two Senior Police Officers Among the Victims
At least 10 police personnel lost their lives during the attack, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. The Associated Press reported that two senior police officers were among those killed.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Haider Zaman and Sub-Inspector Mukhtar Ahmed were identified among the martyred officers in local media reports.
Their deaths represent a significant loss for the provincial police force and the communities they served.
Twelve Police Personnel Shifted to Hospital
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Jawad Afridi confirmed that 12 injured police personnel were shifted to hospital following the attack.
Emergency services responded to the incident and provided assistance to the injured officers. The casualties were reported as police personnel came under fire during the operation-related movement.
Further information about the medical conditions of all injured officers was not available in the initial reports.
The incident once again highlights the risks faced by law-enforcement personnel working in areas affected by security threats.
Eighteen Militants Reportedly Killed During the Gunbattle
Police Confirm Casualties Among the Attackers
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police stated that 18 militants were killed during the exchange of fire following the attack.
According to the official police account, officers responded to the assault and continued fighting the attackers during the prolonged encounter.
The Associated Press also reported the figure of 18 militants killed, citing provincial police officials.
The casualty figure is based on information released by authorities and should be understood in that context.
Additional Police Personnel Dispatched to the Area
Following the incident, additional police contingents were sent to the location. Security arrangements were strengthened as authorities worked to manage the situation and respond to the attack.
Police also stated that action would be taken against individuals suspected of facilitating militant activity and illegal mining networks.
Further official information is expected as investigations continue.
TTP Claims Responsibility for the Kohat Attack
Pakistani Taliban Issues Responsibility Claim
The Associated Press reported that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement issued several hours after the incident.
The TTP, commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, is a banned militant organisation that has carried out attacks against Pakistani security personnel and other targets.
The group’s responsibility claim was reported by the Associated Press. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police Allege Links Between Militants and Criminal Networks
In its official statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police alleged that the attackers had connections with criminal elements involved in illegal activities, including gold mining.
Police further claimed that criminal networks and militants had coordinated their activities against the police contingent.
However, the Associated Press noted that police did not provide evidence to support their additional allegation that these groups were acting at the direction of foreign powers.
These claims should therefore be distinguished from independently established findings. Further investigation will be needed to establish the nature and extent of any alleged connections.
Illegal Gold Mining Operation Preceded the Attack
Joint Operation by Police and Civil Administration
The Kohat incident followed an operation targeting illegal gold-mining activities in the Darabukach area.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the operation was conducted in coordination with the local civil administration. Authorities were attempting to take action against unauthorised mining and related activities in the area.
Illegal extraction of placer gold has been a concern for the district administration, which has introduced restrictions to prevent the misuse of heavy machinery and other resources.
Restrictions on Excavators and Petroleum Products
Dawn reported that the Kohat deputy commissioner had imposed a 60-day ban on parking excavators within specified placer gold-mining areas and adjoining locations.
The district administration stated that machinery parked near mining sites could be used to facilitate unauthorised gold extraction.
In a separate order, the administration also restricted the sale, purchase and supply of petroleum products in open containers or bottles for use in unauthorised mining activities.
These measures formed part of the broader administrative effort to control illegal gold extraction in the district.
Government and Police Response to the Attack
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Condemns the Incident
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and paid tribute to the 10 police personnel who lost their lives.
He expressed condolences to the families of the martyred officers and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in efforts to maintain security and counter terrorism.
The minister also praised the police personnel who responded to the attackers.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Seeks Detailed Report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the loss of police personnel and sought a detailed report from the relevant authorities.
He condemned the attack and stated that those responsible should be brought to justice.
The governor also expressed sympathy with the families of the martyred officers, acknowledging the difficulties faced by families following the loss of their loved ones.
Police Pledge Action Against Facilitators
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police stated that action would be taken against individuals involved in facilitating militant and criminal networks.
The police also reiterated that illegal activities would not be tolerated and that authorities would continue efforts to strengthen security in the affected areas.
The investigation is expected to provide further information about the attack and the individuals involved.
Rising Security Challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Continued Threats to Law-Enforcement Personnel
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced persistent security challenges, including attacks targeting police stations, security checkpoints and law-enforcement personnel.
The Kohat incident adds to concerns about the safety of police officers operating in areas where militant activity has been reported.
Police personnel are responsible for maintaining public order, responding to criminal activity and carrying out security operations. Attacks against them create additional pressure on law-enforcement institutions and can affect the security situation in surrounding communities.
Security Situation and Regional Implications
The Associated Press reported that the TTP has intensified attacks against security forces in recent months.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns about militant activity originating from across the Afghan border. The Afghan Taliban government has denied allegations that it provides safe havens to the TTP.
The continuing security concerns have also contributed to tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Kohat attack therefore comes amid a wider period of security challenges affecting Pakistan’s northwestern region.
Investigation and Further Developments
Authorities Examine the Circumstances of the Attack
Police authorities are expected to continue investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the attack on the returning contingent.
The investigation will be important in establishing the sequence of events, identifying those responsible and examining the alleged connections between militant and criminal networks.
Official statements and further reporting may provide additional details as the investigation progresses.
Accountability and Security Measures Remain Important
The incident has highlighted the importance of effective security arrangements for police personnel conducting operations in sensitive areas.
Coordination between law-enforcement agencies and the district administration remains important when addressing illegal activities and security threats.
Authorities have stated that action will be taken against those responsible for the attack and individuals found to be facilitating illegal activities.
Conclusion
The Kohat attack on November 11, 2026, resulted in the martyrdom of 10 police officers and the reported deaths of 18 militants during an ensuing gunbattle. The incident occurred when a police contingent came under attack while returning from an operation against illegal gold-mining activities in the Darabukach area.
Two senior officers were among the martyred personnel, while Rescue 1122 confirmed that 12 injured police officers were shifted to hospital. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the Associated Press.
Police have alleged connections between criminal networks involved in illegal mining and militant elements, although some additional claims in the police statement were not supported by evidence in the initial reporting.
The incident represents another serious security challenge for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Further investigation and official updates will be necessary to establish the complete circumstances of the attack and determine accountability.
Sources and References
- Associated Press: Militants ambush police in Pakistan, sparking gunbattle that kills 10 officers and 18 militants
- Dawn: 10 cops martyred as police team ambushed in KP
- The Express Tribune: 10 policemen, including DSP, martyred in terrorist attack on Kohat police team
- Radio Pakistan: Kohat Operation: 18 Khawarij killed, 10 policemen martyred
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