GHALANAI, Dec 8: A pro-government tribal elder was killed when security forces mistakenly fired at a vehicle in Kerpa area of Mohmand tribal region on Monday, local people said.

They said that Malik Nawab Khan Burhankhel was going to his home in Yakkaghund after handing over two suspected persons to the political administration in Ghalanai, the regional headquarters of the agency.

Eyewitnesses said that paramilitary forces patrolling the area mistakenly fired at the vehicle carrying Malik Nawab near Karpa checkpost, killing him on the spot.

Malik Nawab, a prominent tribal elder, was heading a jirga to hold negotiations with militants to leave the area.

Meanwhile, militants fired several rockets at security base in Mamed Gut area on Sunday night. Troops also retaliated. No casualty was reported.