2 suspects in fatal attacks on Lahore cops killed in Muridke fire exchange, say police

Two men, identified by police as Fayyaz Butt and his son Rehan Butt, who are accused of fatally shooting three police officers in Lahore, were killed in a gun battle with law enforcement in Muridke. The exchange of fire occurred Friday morning after an hours-long pursuit that began in Lahore and ended in Muridke, where the suspects had taken a family hostage.

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They barged into a house, took the family hostage and threatened to kill them.

According to police sources, the father-son duo allegedly shot dead two officers in Lahore's Badami Bagh area and another at Yateem Khana Chowk on Thursday night, also injuring three other officers. Initial investigations suggest the first attack was carried out by Rehan and accomplices. The martyred officers were identified as Sub-Inspector Adeel Ashiq and Constable Asad.

During Friday's operation, a third suspect named Tariq managed to escape and is believed to have fled to Azad Jammu Kashmir. Authorities are working with law enforcement agencies in Punjab and AJK to locate and apprehend him. Police used thermal drones to track Fayyaz and Rehan in a forest area near Muridke after they were traced to a seminary. Realizing they were being pursued, the suspects reportedly entered a densely populated area, barged into a house, and held a family hostage before opening fire on the approaching police.

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During the exchange of fire, Rehan and Fayyaz were killed.

An official coordinating the operation suggested the attacks might have been an act of revenge. Rehan's brother, Faizan Butt, was reportedly killed in a previous encounter with a Counter-Terrorism Department team that allegedly included SI Adeel. This potential motive adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into the violent events.

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Tariq had separated from them and fled to AJK during the chase.