Islamabad, December 23 (QNA) - Five Pakistani police officers have been killed in an armed attack on a police patrol in the country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials have said.

The attack took place in the Karak district, where gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle during a routine patrol. No group has so far claimed responsibility.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, expressing condolences to the families of the officers killed. In a statement, he reaffirmed the government's determination to continue operations against militant groups until they are completely eliminated.

Security forces in Pakistan have been engaged in ongoing operations against armed groups for several years, particularly in the northwest of the country, where such attacks have become increasingly frequent.

Authorities said investigations into the incident were under way. (QNA)