NORTH WAZIRISTAN, DEC 18 /DNA/: A civilian was killed and four others were injured as mortar shells landed on houses during a fierce clash between security forces and terrorists in the Mirali tehsil here on Wednesday morning.
Locals said several cattle heads were also burnt to death after homes caught fire during the exchange of fire.
They said that intense fighting between security forces and terrorists continued for nearly three hours. Heavy weapons and mortar shells were used during the clash, and some of the mortar shells landed in nearby populated areas, causing civilian casualties and damage to property, the residents said.
According to sources, several mortar shells fell on houses in Hasokhel and Moski villages. As a result, a civilian sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to his wounds at a hospital, while four others were seriously injured. Among the injured is the minor daughter of Malik Nisar Ali Khan, president of Awami National Party in North Waziristan.
Residents said announcements were made from mosques’ loudspeakers in nearby villages, appealing to both sides for a ceasefire to allow the evacuation of the injured.
The injured were shifted to a local hospital through rough and unpaved routes after enduring severe hardships.
During the clash, residents said security forces’ helicopters also targeted suspected terror hideouts in the area, triggering panic and fear among residents.
Due to the shelling, several families were forced to move to safer locations, while business activities remained suspended.
The Bannu-Miranshah Road was also closed to all kinds of traffic.
Local people demanded that the use of heavy weapons in populated areas be avoided to prevent harm to innocent civilians.
Official sources said that the operation was launched on the basis of intelligence reports and that action against terrorists was still ongoing in the area.
Authorities maintained that steps were being taken to ensure the safety of civilians.
