Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) have killed eight armed terrorists of a banned outfit during a joint operation in the Dreshkhel area of Karak district, following a deadly attack on a police patrol that left five officers martyred, officials said on Tuesday.

The operation was launched after unidentified assailants targeted a police mobile during routine patrolling in the Amankot area of Gurguri.

All five policemen on board were killed in the firing. The martyred officers were identified as Shahid Iqbal, Safdar, Arif, Sami and Muhammad Abrar. Their bodies were shifted to the civil hospital.

Police said the attackers fled the scene, prompting a cordon-and-search operation across the area.

During the operation in Dreshkhel, an exchange of fire took place in which eight militants belonging to a proscribed group were killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered.

District Police Officer (DPO) Saud Khan said the police would take revenge for the martyrdom of their colleagues and would not allow their blood to go in vain.

He said maintaining peace was the top priority and that police morale would not be shaken by such “cowardly attacks”.

“The entire area was sealed off after the attack, and search operations are continuing,” the DPO said, adding that security patrols had been intensified at sensitive locations across the district.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the attack on the police mobile and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the slain officers and extended condolences to their families, saying those targeting law enforcement personnel would not be spared.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident, expressing grief over the martyrdom of the policemen. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he offered prayers for the departed souls and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.

The prime minister paid tribute to the police force for its frontline role in the fight against terrorism, saying the entire nation salutes the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as operations continue to track down remaining suspects.