PESHAWAR: At least 13 people, including policemen, were injured in Bannu due to a clash between Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and law enforcement agencies.
The clash took place as law enforcement agencies attempted to control an unruly mob which turned violent during food distribution at the Bannu Sports Complex.
According to police sources, nine policemen and four IDPs were injured in the clash. The clash began as the angry mob started pelting stones on the police and security forces present, and also torched the kiosks that were set up for the facilitation center. The police had to resort to baton-charge to control the situation.
International donors were also planning a visit to the IDP camp for the first time, but it was postponed due to the clash.
As of July this year, 575,000 IDPs have been registered in Bannu.
Read more: 575,000 IDPs registered in Bannu; relief efforts in progress
Operation Zarb-i-Azb began in June as a military offensive to eliminate Taliban militants from their stronghold in the North Waziristan tribal district. The operation, involving air strikes, tanks and heavy artillery has forced the exodus of a large number of people, mainly to the nearby town of Bannu just outside the tribal zone.
