PESHAWAR: At least eight security men were martyred and several others injured in two back-to-back attacks in the Orakzai tribal district on Monday.

While there was no official word from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) or other law enforcement agencies, reports suggested security personnel clashed with assailants in the Ghunda Mela area.

At least three militants were also killed in the engagement.

The district is sandwiched between Khyber’s densely-forested Tirah valley and Kurram.

Ex-militant commander gunned down in North Waziristan

Separately, a former militant commander who had surrendered to security forces, was killed along with two associates, while another was injured in an attack near Miramshah in North Waziristan.

Sources said that the former commander, identified as Tawab, was travelling in a car along with his associates when they came under attack from assailants on motorbikes.

Tawab and another associate were critically wounded, while two others were killed on the spot. The former commander was taken to a nearby hospital, where he also succumbed to his injuries.

Police and security forces reached the spot soon after the incident and cordoned off the area. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2025