Page 25 · Metro - Peshawar

Policeman, civilian killed in Bannu firing incidents

B A N N U / S O U T H WAZIRISTAN: A police constable was martyred in firing by militants within the jurisdiction of the Bannu Cantonment Police Station.

Also, a civilian was killed during an armed clash between Hathikhel Peace Committee members and suspected mili-tants in the Domel Paing area of Bannu district.

Police said on Monday that Elite Force constable Ahmadullah was present at a shop in Peepal Bazaar of Daud Shah area when armed men attacked him, killing him immediately. The attackers fled afterward.

A heavy police contingent showed up, cordoned off the area and launched a search and patrol operation.

Meanwhile, an intense clash took place between Hathikhel Peace Committee members and suspected militants in the Domel Paing area.

Local sources said that aheavy exchange of fire took place as both sides used small and heavy weapons.

Khayal Wazir, a civilian, was killed in the firing, while a woman suffered injuries.

Sources said that the Hathikhel Peace Committee members sought assistance from police during the clash, so the police dispatched a contingent to the area. Security personnel also reached the area.

The situation remained tense in the area, with the police and security forces continuing efforts to restore the law and order.

Meanwhile, a key militant commander was killed in analleged armed clash between rival militant factions in Karizi Pal area of Wana tehsil of the Lower South Waziristan tribal district on Sunday evening.

Sources in police claimed that the incident took place in Karizi Pal area, where armed groups affiliated with banned groups Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and TTG, exchanged fire over some financial issues, including control of extortion money.

Local sources claimed that key militant leader Sohail Mughalkhel was killed during the clash, while several others were also reportedly injured.

However, the police didn’t con-firm the number of casualties.

Meanwhile, a separate firing incident took place near Shaheed Morr in Wana on Monday,killingresidentUmaid.

According to police, members of a banned militant group opened fire on Umaid and fled.

Sources claimed that Umaid remained in the custody of the group for several days. Police said that further investigation into the incident was under way.

Sources in the Lower South Waziristan district have reported serious differences between factions affiliated with the TTP and TTGoverfinancialissues,including control of extortion money.