Pak police thwart attack on Peshawar check post

Islamabad: Pakistani police have repulsed an attack by militants on a check post on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar, days after seven security personnel were killed in another brazen assault blamed on the Taliban.

The militants targeted the check post in Badabher area with automatic weapons and rockets late last night though there were no casualties. Policemen retaliated against the attack, forcing the militants to flee, officials said today. The exchange of fire continued for about 30 minutes and police later conducted a search operation in the area. The rural areas of Badabher and Mattani on the outskirts of Peshawar have witnessed several skirmishes between police and Taliban fighters in the recent past. On October 14, Superintendent of Police Khurshid Khan and six security personnel were killed and several others injured when scores of militants attacked two check posts near Mattani police station. Some reports said the militants beheaded Khan and took away his head. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and anger among local residents. PTI