NORTH WAZIRISTAN: A civilian was killed and four others sustained injuries on Wednesday after mortar shells landed on residential houses during a prolonged clash between security forces and suspected terrorists in the Mirali tehsil of North Waziristan, local residents and official sources said.
According to locals, intense fighting erupted early in the morning and continued for nearly three hours. Heavy weapons, including mortar shells, were used by both sides during the exchange of fire. Several of the shells reportedly fell into populated areas, causing civilian casualties and damage to property.
Residents said that multiple mortar rounds struck houses in the Hasokhel and Moski villages. One civilian sustained critical injuries and later died at a hospital, while four others were seriously wounded. Among the injured was the minor daughter of Malik Nisar Ali Khan, president of the Awami National Party in North Waziristan.
Local people said that as the fighting intensified, announcements were made through mosque loudspeakers in nearby villages, urging both sides to observe a ceasefire so that the injured could be evacuated. Due to the ongoing shelling and difficult terrain, the wounded were transported to a local hospital via rough and unpaved routes, facing considerable hardship.
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Residents also reported that several houses caught fire during the clash, resulting in the deaths of a number of cattle. The sound of heavy gunfire and explosions created panic among the local population, forcing many families to leave their homes and seek refuge in safer areas.
During the operation, helicopters belonging to the security forces were also seen targeting suspected militant hideouts, which further heightened fear among residents. Business activities in the area came to a standstill, while the Bannu–Miranshah Road was closed to all types of traffic as a precautionary measure.
Authorities maintain steps being taken to ensure safety of civilians.https://t.co/z6YwZ1CMDI
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Local elders and residents expressed concern over the use of heavy weapons in populated areas and demanded that measures be taken to protect civilians. They urged the authorities to avoid operations that could result in harm to innocent people and destruction of property.
Official sources said the operation was launched on the basis of intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the area. They added that action against militants was still ongoing and that efforts were being made to minimise civilian harm.
Authorities maintained that the safety of the local population remained a priority and said further details would be shared once the situation stabilised.
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