Kohat Police Convoy Attacked After Illegal Gold-Mining Operation; DSP Among 11 Killed

KOHAT, November 11, 2026 (Nazrana Times): At least 11 police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were killed and 12 others injured when armed militants attacked a police contingent returning from an operation against illegal gold mining in the Gambat area of Kohat district.

Those killed included Gambat DSP Haider Zaman, Sub-Inspector Mukhtiar and nine other police personnel. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Convoy Attacked from Elevated Positions

The attack occurred as officers were returning from an enforcement operation targeting illegal gold-mining activities near Shakardara. The assailants reportedly opened fire from surrounding elevated positions and set several police vehicles ablaze.

The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility. Additional security personnel were deployed to the area, and a search operation was launched to track down the attackers.

Crackdown Followed Two-Day Ultimatum

The four-day enforcement operation began after authorities gave those involved in illegal mining a two-day ultimatum to vacate the area.

After the deadline expired, police dismantled dozens of tents and arrested several suspects allegedly involved in unlawful activities.

Concerns Over Alleged Mining–Militant Links

The incident has raised concerns about an alleged nexus between illegal mineral extraction, organised criminal networks and terrorism. Authorities face the challenge of dismantling both unlawful mining operations and the networks that enable and protect them.

The attack inflicted a major loss on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police during operations against militancy and organised crime. Protecting natural resources, enforcing the law and dismantling militant networks remain critical challenges in restoring security in the region.

Report: Ali Imran Chattha