Three abducted policemen recovered unharmed in Hangu

HANGU: Three abducted policemen recovered unharmed in Hangu on Tuesday, two days after gunmen seized them in an attack on the Shah Almas Pir Pahari checkpost. District Police Officer Salahuddin Kundi said the recovery came through the coordinated efforts of the district police, tribal elders and the district administration.

The militants stormed the post late on Sunday night and opened fire. Constable Feroz Ali was martyred in the assault, and three of his colleagues were taken towards Khanano Kot in the Samana mountain range. A heavy contingent of police and security forces rushed to the scene, exchanged fire with the attackers, regained full control of the post and launched a pursuit to recover the kidnapped officers.

Funeral held with full honours
The funeral prayers of the martyred constable were offered at the Police Lines in Hangu, where senior police officers, rescue officials and members of the district administration paid tribute to him. His body was taken to his native village of Ibrahimzai.

A pattern of attacks on police
Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced repeated attacks in recent weeks. In September, an assault on the Kohat Police Lines killed 15 policemen among 23 people, and three traffic policemen were killed in Tank later that month. No group has claimed responsibility for the Hangu attack.