Militant attack on Hangu police post kills 11, injures 22

A major militant attack on a police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan has left at least 11 security personnel dead and more than 20 others wounded, according to official statements. The assault occurred late on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Khazina Banda police post in Hangu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the border with Afghanistan.

Provincial police officials said militants stormed the outpost using heavy weapons and improvised explosive devices attached to quadcopters. During an intense firefight that lasted several hours, security forces responded with a counter-operation. Police Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed stated that reinforcements sent to the area were also ambushed, damaging an armored vehicle before personnel could respond.

The District Police Officer for Hangu, Tariq Habib, confirmed that among the 11 personnel killed was Deputy Superintendent of Police Diyar Khan. At least 22 other officers were injured, including another DSP, Mujahid Hussain. Officials reported that between eight and 15 attackers were killed during the exchange of fire, with several others wounded. A clearance and search operation remained underway in the area following the attack.