A policeman and a customs staffer were killed and two others injured when unidentified militants attacked a Customs office and police personnel in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Wednesday.

According to reports, the deceased were identified as Customs official Israr Khan and police constable Mohammad Bilal.

The injured — Hazrat Umar and Khayal Mohammad — were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Trauma Centre for medical treatment.

The bodies of the fallen personnel were also moved to the hospital.

A police spokesperson said the assailants also opened fire on passenger buses travelling along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route.

In addition, the attackers set fire to Customs vehicles, causing damage to state property.

Police said that security forces retaliated, forcing the attackers to flee the scene.

A heavy contingent of police rushed to the site soon after the incident and cordoned off the area.

Authorities said a search operation is underway, with raids being conducted at various locations to apprehend those involved.

Security officials stated that the situation has been brought under control, while further investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind the attack.