MIRANSHAH: An attempt to ambush a security forces’ convoy in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali district was thwarted, security sources said on Thursday.
According to security sources, Fitna al Khawarij militants attempted to attack a convoy on the main highway.
Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
They said the incident occurred when the convoy was passing through a populated area.
Militants linked to Fitna al Khawarij attempted to ambush the security convoy near a residential locality, they said, adding that security forces responded swiftly, thwarting the attack.
After the failed attempt, the attackers fled the scene, they said, adding that security forces had cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.
They further said that an exchange of fire had been reported between security forces and the militants, while security in the area had been placed on high alert.
Security sources also dismissed what they called malicious rumours being spread about the incident on social media.
They asserted that security forces had full control of the situation and were taking all possible measures to ensure the safety of the lives and property of local residents.
Meanwhile, local sources said the security situation in and around Mir Ali had turned highly tense after reports of clashes between security forces and militants.
The sources said security forces cordoned off Mir Ali Bazaar as intermittent aerial firing continued in the area.
Due to the firing and amid security concerns, panic spread among the residents, business centres had been closed and locals remained confined to their homes, local sources said.
Meanwhile, there were reports that Bannu–Miranshah Road, along which Mir Ali is located, had been closed for traffic at the Kahjuri checkpost as a precautionary measure. Reports said the move had resulted in long queues of vehicles on the artery and caused inconvenience for travellers.
Local sources said a loud explosion was also heard near Mir Ali’s Muski area at Mir Ali–Khaisoor Road, adding that an exchange of fire between security sources and militants was also taking place near Muski at Khaisoor Road.
Residents in Mir Ali further reported that a security checkpost at Hasokhel Bridge had come under attack, following which an exchange of fire began.
According to local sources, three people had sustained injuries after, reportedly, a mortar shell landed at the house of Awami National Party’s North Waziristan President Malik Nisar Ali Khan.
The sources said security forces had launched a search operation in the area.
There has been no official statement confirming the details of the situation in Mir Ali thus far.
Multiple incidents of terrorism and violence have been reported from Mir Ali lately.
In October, four terrorists were killed by the security forces, foiling a suicide attack on a military camp in Mir Ali.
Earlier this month, unidentified militants blew up a government primary school in Mir Ali, jeopardising the future of more than 600 school-going children.
Days later, a government school in the same district with over 250 enrolled girls was destroyed with explosives.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
American Dollar Exchange Rate