MIRAMSHAH: A civilian official of North Waziristan Agency was killed and three Levies personnel were injured when their vehicle was ambushed near a check-post on Friday night.

Officials said on Saturday the targeted killing took place near the Sarobi area.

Political Moharar Hamidullah along with security men was patrolling between the Esha and Dosali check-posts when his vehicle came under fire.

Mr Hamidullah died on the spot while his guards — Bukhar Din, Hazratullah and Akhtar Gul — received injuries and were taken to the agency headquarters hospital in Miramshah.

They said a fourth guard had gone missing after the incident and his whereabouts had yet to be ascertained.

Umer Khalil, spokesman for the little-known Ittehadul Mujahidin North Waziristan Agency group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Local people held a demonstration against the incident.

Following a surge in targeted killings of civilians and attacks on security forces, the political administration and army had decided to start joint night patrolling in villages.

The political administration in a statement paid tribute to Mr Hamidullah and termed him an outstanding official. It said he had set up the strategically important Talha Post in the area after Operation Zarb-i-Azb.

Mr Hamidullah’s father Amanullah Jan, who served as Political Naib Tehsildar of North Waziristan Agency, also lost his life while fighting terrorists in 2014. He had received the gallantry award.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2018