Ten police officers were killed after militants ambushed a police convoy in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities said, in one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in the region in recent months.

The attack took place in the Kohat district, where police officers were returning from an operation targeting illegal gold mining activities when their convoy came under heavy gunfire.

According to local media and security officials, militants positioned on nearby hills opened fire on the convoy as it passed through the area, triggering an intense exchange of fire.

The attackers also set five police vehicles ablaze during the assault, while reinforcements were immediately dispatched to the scene and security measures were tightened across the area.

TTP claims responsibility

Pakistani authorities confirmed that 10 police officers were killed in the attack, including two senior police officials.

Police said security forces launched a counter-operation following the ambush, during which 18 militants were killed.

The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security concerns persist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The attack underscores continuing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces have faced frequent assaults by militant groups despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Pakistani authorities have intensified intelligence-based operations across the province in recent months as militant violence has increased, particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan.

An investigation into the latest attack is underway, while additional security personnel have been deployed to prevent further incidents.(ILKHA)