Pakistan: Two Tribal Leaders Killed in Terrorist Shooting in South Waziristan

PESHAWAR (Terror Monitor) — Two tribal leaders were killed in two separate incidents of gunfire by armed militants in Lower South Waziristan, a tribal district of Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Separately, police foiled an alleged major terrorist attack in Wana Bazaar by defusing a pressure bomb weighing approximately 10 kilograms and arresting a suspected militant.

In the first incident, unidentified armed militants opened fire on two men at Dwa Sarakai in the Zarmalan area of Tehsil Toi Khullah.

According to police sources, the two men were traveling in an Alto car from Gul Kach to Zarmalan when armed men opened fire on them on the way. Both men were killed at the scene, while the attackers fled after the shooting.

Police identified the victims as Malik Badshah, son of Khayal, belonging to the Kamarani branch of the Suleman Khel tribe, and Haji Gul, a contractor affiliated with the Morikhan Khel branch of Suleman Khel.

Police said the motive behind the attack was not immediately known. Following the incident, police launched an investigation and increased surveillance in the area while a search for the attackers was underway.

Local residents expressed deep concern over the killings and called on the government and relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and arrest those responsible.

Political and social circles in Waziristan also condemned the killings, saying such incidents pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

Terrorist Attack Plot Foiled in Wana Bazaar

Meanwhile, police in Wana, the main town of Lower South Waziristan, foiled an alleged terrorist attack by defusing a pressure bomb weighing approximately 10 kilograms and arresting a suspected militant.

According to police, armed militants were attempting to plant the pressure bomb in Wana Bazaar when a local resident, identified as Bilal, spotted a suspected individual installing the device.

Police said Bilal fired into the air to stop the suspect, who then attempted to flee. The local resident immediately informed police, prompting personnel from City Police Station Wana to launch a pursuit.

Police said the suspect was arrested near Wacha Khwara, while one of his alleged accomplices managed to escape from Wana Bazaar. A search operation is underway to arrest the fleeing suspect.

The arrested suspect is being interrogated. Police said that during preliminary questioning, he allegedly confessed to involvement in several terrorist incidents. Authorities said the claims are being further investigated.

After receiving the information, the Bomb Disposal Unit reached the scene and safely defused the approximately 10-kilogram pressure bomb.

Following the bomb disposal, security was tightened in Wana Bazaar and surrounding areas, while surveillance was increased amid concerns about the presence of other suspects or possible explosive devices.

Police said the timely cooperation of local residents and the prompt response by law enforcement prevented a potentially major terrorist attack.

District Police Officer Lower South Waziristan Shah Hussain praised the police personnel involved in the operation and commended them for their timely response.