Tirah Valley. Photo: Archive
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 town in Tirah Valley of Khyber district, security sources said on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred during Iftar, sparked panic across the area and sparked protests by local residents demanding accountability and protection.
According to security sources, several mortar shells fell near the local population. A projectile hit a passenger van, killing five people, including two children, while several others were injured.
Initial reports had confirmed four dead and three injured, but authorities later claimed that one of the wounded succumbed to his injuries in hospital, raising 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 initially shifted to Dogra Hospital where they received emergency medical care before being referred 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 have been launched to determine those responsible.
The bombing also damaged nearby houses and properties, causing economic losses to the affected families. Following the incident, security in the area has been reinforced.
Local residents later staged a protest, placed one of the bodies at Khyber Chowk in Bara Bazaar and launched a sit-in. Relatives of the deceased and other citizens participated in the demonstration.
Protesters said the government was “not fulfilling its responsibility to maintain peace” and demanded that “the killing of innocent civilians be stopped.”
