SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Two militant commanders and brother of a tribal elder were killed in a clash between banned Tehreek-i-Taliban (Gul Bahadar group) and family members of elder Malik Ashiq Noor in Dana area of Birmal tehsil of Lower South Waziristan district on Sunday.

According to sources and district authorities, the gunfight erupted on Sunday evening, leaving dead Khaliq Noor, a key commander of the terror outfit, and Bilal, brother of the organisation’s senior leader, Fateh. Bilal had reportedly returned from Dubai a few days ago.

Zahid Noor, brother of Ashiq Noor of Ahmadzai tribe, got martyred during the exchange of fire. Another elder, Maula Noor and his brother sustained critical injuries in the firing.

Two women bystanders were also injured.

District police officer Mohammad Tahir Shah confirmed the incident, saying that the clash erupted when Ashiq Noor’s brothers were returning from Rustam Bazaar, Wana, and were intercepted at an illegal checkpoint reportedly set up by the militants on Azam Warsak Dana Road.

The assailants attempted to disarm the elders at gunpoint. Upon resistance, Zahid Noor sought his elder brother Ashiq Noor’s support. Ashiq Noor rushed to the site, leading to a three-hour-long exchange of gunfire.

Eyewitnesses reported that both light and heavy weapons were used in the firefight, which created panic among local residents. During the clash, the militants torched a vehicle belonging to Ashiq Noor, further escalating the situation.

Dr Jan Mohammad, medical superintendent at District Headquarters Hospital, Wana, confirmed that two injured women were brought in the facility and were in stable condition now.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2025