Over a dozen terrorists were killed in deadly clashes between the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its breakaway faction TTP-Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) as tensions escalated between commanders from both sides in the Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, sources told The Express Tribune on Friday.
Background of the Clashes
The deadly fighting in the Manato area of Central Kurram followed a decision by the TTP Central Shura to take disciplinary action against some commanders of the JuA faction. Sources added that the clashes erupted after JuA fighters were allegedly asked to either surrender their arms or comply with the directives of local TTP commanders.
Casualties and Aftermath
The infighting reportedly left 19 JuA fighters dead, while three TTP members were also killed, according to sources. The JuA has vowed to avenge the killings and circulated images of their slain members on social media.
Failed Jirga
Sharing further details, sources stated that a jirga had been convened to address the rising tensions and resolve the dispute. However, the situation deteriorated when firing broke out between the two factions during the tribal assembly.
Separate Military Operation
In a separate development, security sources said that during a recent military operation in the Shawal and Spinwam areas of North Waziristan, a senior terrorist commander identified as Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib was killed along with around 30 other militants. Jan Mir was considered an expert in explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and was known for his tactical expertise.
