Tirah Valley. Photo: File
KHYBER:
At least five civilians were killed and seven others injured after mortar shells fired from an unknown direction hit a residential area in Chapri locality in Tirah Valley in Khyber district, security sources said on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred around Iftar time, caused panic in the area and sparked protests from local residents demanding accountability and protection.
According to security sources, several mortar shells fell near the local population. A shell hit a van, killing five people, including two children, and injuring several others.
Initial reports confirmed four dead and three injured, but authorities later said one of the injured succumbed to his injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to five, while the number of injured rose to seven.
The deceased were identified as Mehran Khan, Muntazir Afridi, Khogai and Akumat – all residents of Chapri – while authorities confirmed that one of the injured later died during treatment.
The injured were first shifted to Dogra Hospital, where they received emergency medical treatment before being shifted to Peshawar for further treatment. Some of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
Security officials said the mortar shells were fired from an unidentified location and investigations were launched to determine those responsible.
The bombings also damaged neighboring houses and properties, causing financial losses to affected families. Following this incident, security in the area has been reinforced.
In the aftermath, local residents staged a protest, placing one of the bodies at Khyber Chowk in Bara Bazaar and launching a sit-in. Members of the deceased’s family and other citizens took part in the demonstration.
Protesters said the government was “failing to fulfill its responsibility to maintain peace” and demanded that “the massacre of innocent civilians stop.”
