Pakistan: Two JUI-F Leaders Killed in Targeted Attacks in Bajaur and South Waziristan

PESHAWAR (Terror Monitor) — Two local leaders affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) were killed in separate targeted attacks in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including tribal districts Bajaur and South Waziristan.

JUI-F Leader Maulana Irshad Ajiz Killed in Bajaur Attack Claimed by IS

In Bajaur tribal district, unidentified armed militants shot dead JUI-F local leader Maulana Irshad Ajiz in the Kharlozo area of Mamond tehsil.

Police and local sources said armed attackers targeted Maulana Irshad Ajiz, leaving him critically injured. He died at the scene due to his injuries.

Following the attack, a heavy contingent of police and security forces reached the area, cordoned off the site, collected evidence, and launched a search operation to trace the attackers.

Police officials said an investigation into the incident was underway, and efforts were being made to identify the attackers with the help of evidence collected from the crime scene.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack through its media channels. However, Pakistani authorities have not independently verified the claim.

JUI-F-Affiliated Cleric Maulana Ismail Wazir Killed in South Waziristan

Separately, in South Waziristan Lower district, unidentified armed militants shot dead local religious scholar and JUI-F-affiliated figure Maulana Ismail Wazir in the Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil.

Local sources said the incident took place near Azam Warsak fruit market, where two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on Maulana Ismail Wazir before fleeing the scene.

Sources said Maulana Ismail Wazir sustained critical injuries and was shifted for medical treatment but succumbed to his wounds.

After the attack, security and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area, collected evidence, and launched an operation to trace the attackers.

Authorities said investigations into both incidents were ongoing, while security measures have been tightened in Bajaur and South Waziristan.

The tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have witnessed a rise in targeted killings and militant attacks in recent months, with political and religious figures among those being targeted.