NORTH WAZIRISTAN/BAJAUR: Two, including an alleged militant, were killed and nine injured in three separate attacks in North Waziristan and Bajaur district on Monday.

The alleged militant was killed and his three accomplices were taken into custody following an exchange of fire with security forces in the Sirkot area of Miramshah tehsil, officials have said.

A security team was defusing a bomb after receiving information when militants opened fire.

Local officials said in the ensuing exchange of fire with security forces, the militant was gunned down. Three security personnel and three civilians were injured with one soldier said to be in critical condition.

Officials claimed that the deceased militant was involved in attacks on security forces. A search operation has also been launched in the area.

The second attack took place in the Sarobi area when a rocket, fired from an unidentified location, landed inside a home, leaving three family members injured. They were shifted to Miram­shah’s tehsil headquarters hospital.

Elderly killed

In the third attack, a 70-year-old man was killed in an explosion in Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district.

According to the police, the deceased, identified as Mohmand Jan, was on his way back home in the Zaga Dehri Sewai area after meeting someone when a bomb planted on his route exploded.

The septuagenarian elder was critically wounded and shifted to a hospital by family members but he could not survive.

A senior police official told reporters that “miscreants” are believed to be behind the attack.

A case has been registered against unknown persons with Mamund police station and further investigation was underway, the policeman added.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2023