Clashes erupt in Miranshah after tribal elder is killed

MIRANSHAH: A heavy exchange of gunfire broke out in Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan district, on Friday after tribal elder Malik Saifullah Khan Dawar was shot dead, police said.

According to the details provided, unidentified attackers opened fire on Saifullah outside his home. The killing was followed by an armed confrontation between members of the Darpa Khel tribe and militants. Police said both sides used automatic weapons and the firing continued for several hours.

Local sources said suspected militants had allegedly taken over a mosque in the area a day earlier. They said Saifullah, accompanied by other tribal elders, intervened and compelled them to leave the mosque.

The same sources said that on Friday morning, a large number of militants returned to the locality, called Saifullah out of his house and then fired at him, killing him at the scene.

During the clash, four residents were wounded. They were identified as Yaqoob, Fazal Karim, Mujahid and one unidentified person. The injured were taken to Miranshah Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment.

Local sources also said at least two militants were killed in the exchange of fire.

The violence caused panic in Miranshah and nearby areas, leading to the closure of markets and business centres. Residents remained inside their homes amid fear following the incident.

Local elders said Saifullah’s killing was expected to aggravate the law and order situation in the area. They added that the incident had triggered widespread anger among tribes in the region.

Another tribal elder killed earlier this week

Earlier this week, another tribal elder was killed in Bajaur district’s Inayat Kallay Bazaar area.

Malik Fazal Wahid, 55, had sustained critical injuries and was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital. Hospital sources said he died during surgery in the emergency department.