Four people were killed in clashes between two factions of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan’s South Waziristan. Local commander Niaz Wazir and his three associates were among the dead. Local sources said that the incident took place on Saturday (October 19).

According to sources, the clash was triggered by orders to kill TTP commander Minhaj Butt Niaz Wazir. Niaz Wazir, a member of the Ada Khel tribe, was leading the TTP in the lowlands of South Waziristan. In contrast, Minhaj Butt had just returned to Pakistan from Afghanistan.
However, it is not yet clear why Minhaj ordered to kill Niaz.
According to sources, the clash took place in Nandron and Nargasai hilly areas of Barmal. Militant activities have increased significantly in the region since last year. There have been multiple attacks on security forces, police posts and civilians.

Local political leaders have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. Internal conflicts and clashes between TTP groups have resulted in the deaths of several commanders, creating fear and instability in the region.

However, no official statement has yet been released by TTP regarding this clash. The identities of the other three accomplices who were killed have not been released.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a militant commander was killed in a gunfight with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the police in Takhtikhel area of ​​Lakki Marwat district on Saturday. Earlier there was an exchange of fire between militants and armed villagers in the area.

Source: Don