WANA: In what could be described as a deadly mix-up, four people were killed when security personnel opened fire on their vehicle in Barmalzai tehsil of South Waziristan Agency on Monday.

The security forces opened fire on a suspected vehicle on an unfrequented route near the Barmalzai Fort, leaving four persons dead. Eight people were traveling in the pick-up vehicle which was on its way from Angor Adda to Wana, said sources. The security personnel mistook the inmates for militants.

According to a political administration’s statement, the deceased were identified as Manikhel, Ghulam Khan and Inayat of North Waziristan Agency while the fourth one was identified as Neik Sadin of South Wazristan Agency. Four others, identified as Sher Jan, Fazal Manan, Eid Muhammad and a woman, Noor Bano, were taken into custody.

According to the locals of the area, the incident took place due to a misunderstanding as the unfrequented route was used as an alternative to other roads closed in Dattakhel and surrounding areas.

Published in Dawn December 6th, 2016