PARACHINAR, Jan 2: Eight people were killed and 13 others were injured as clashes continued between rival groups in the Kurram tribal region on Tuesday.

Security forces fired artillery shells from their base in Alizai to dislodge combatants from their positions.

Reports of clashes were also received from Balishkhel and Sadda areas.

Local people said that militants from adjoining areas of North Waziristan and Hangu district attacked Manguk and Tangai villages on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, army and paramilitary troops started taking positions on hilltops to enforce a ceasefire in the area while a peace jirga continued its efforts for a truce.

Sources said that deployment of troops had begun in Balishkhel and Sadda areas while more contingents of the army had moved into Alizai town.

A gunship helicopter flying towards the troubled area made an emergency landing near Khapyanga area in the Lower Kurram on Wednesday.