Residents, political and social figures demand an immediate end to shelling and call for an investigation
Tirah Valley. Photo file
A woman was killed while three children were injured when a mortar shell hit a house on Wednesday amid fierce clashes between security forces and terrorists in Tirah area of Baraqambar Khel in Khyber tribal district.
In a separate incident, a six-year-old girl, daughter of Allah Noor Yargul Khel, lost her life when a stray bullet hit her during clashes in the same area.
The incidents sparked widespread protests in Bara and on Peshawar’s Ring Road, where residents, including MNA Iqbal Afridi and other political and social figures, demanded an immediate end to shelling of civilian localities and called for an inquiry.
Later, protest leaders reached the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar for talks with government officials. According to local sources, security forces launched an operation against terrorists in Baraqambar Khel and imposed a curfew on the area.
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During the crossfire, a mortar shell hit Ashna Gul’s house in Ghalba village. His wife was killed on the spot and their three children suffered serious injuries. The house was seriously damaged. Due to the curfew, local people had extreme difficulty in transporting the wounded for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, a decapitated body of an unidentified man was found in Baraqambar Khel, though it is still unclear whether the victim was a terrorist or a civilian abducted and killed by militants.
Ashna Gul’s wife was laid to rest at Baraqambar Khel under tight security. Reports suggest that some security personnel have also been killed or injured during the clashes. However, the official confirmation was not available.
Tension continues to grip the area, with residents expressing deep fear and uncertainty over the escalating violence.
