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Published 12 Apr, 2014 07:46am

Taliban infighting leaves over a dozen militants dead

MIRAMSHAH: The infighting between rival factions of Taliban has continued with members of the Sheryar and Said Sajna groups intensifying attacks on each other leaving more than a dozen militants dead.

According to sources, the fighting has now spread to more areas of North and South Waziristan.

Reports of clashes were received from Shawal area where militants of the Sheryar group fired rockets on a vehicle carrying members of the Sajna group on Thursday night. Four men of the Sajna group were killed and two injured.

Soon after the incident, the Sajna group cordoned off the area and a fierce clash erupted which continued till late night, leaving six men of the Sheryar group dead and four wounded. Both sides used light and heavy weapons.

Early on Friday morning six members of the Sheryar group were killed when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in Shawal area of North Waziristan.

According to sources, the explosive device placed on the road was detonated by remote control.

While clashes continued there are reports that the two groups have agreed to a one-month ceasefire.

The sources said that leaders of the Haqqani and other groups had brokered a deal between the two factions.

A statement issued on the letterhead of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan on Thursday and signed by the chief of the Sheryar group told militants to stop attacks in North Waziristan.

The clashes which began in Shaktoi area of South Waziristan a few days ago have spilled over into Shawal in North Waziristan and Gomal area of Tank. And it is feared that the infighting may spread to other areas.

The cause of the infighting is stated to be interference by leaders of the groups in each other’s domains.

Both sides have been using light and heavy weapons, including artillery, in clashes.

Meanwhile, three people were killed and two injured in a roadside blast in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan on Friday morning.

Sources said that the deceased were supporters of commander Amanullah who is stated to be a close aide of commander Sangeen and is affiliated with the Haqqani group.

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