26 killed in armed clashes in Pakistan's tribal belt - World - DNA
Atleast 26 people were killed and 22 others injured today in armed clashes between two rival groups over the distribution of water in Pakistan's restive tribal belt, taking the death toll in three weeks of fighting to nearly 80.
Fresh clashes erupted between members of the Shalozan and Shalozan Tangi tribes in Kurram Agency, local sources said.
The clashes over the allocation of irrigation water began three weeks ago. Over 70 people have been injured in the fierce fighting.
The local political administration appears to be helpless in controlling the situation as efforts to restore peace have not produced any results.
It is believed that 10 suspected militants were among the 13 people killed in clashes yesterday. Their bodies were taken into custody by local tribesmen.
The rival groups are using heavy and sophisticated weapons to target each other's positions.
Local residents said the clashes had intensified after militant factions reportedly began faction a group of tribesmen.
The political administration has formed a tribal jirga or council to start negotiations with the fighting tribes.
Kurram Agency has been virtually cut off from the rest of Pakistan for the past two years due to intense clashes between rival Shia and Sunni tribesmen.
Atleast 26 people were killed and 22 others injured today in armed clashes between two rival groups over the distribution of water in Pakistan's restive tribal belt, taking the death toll in three weeks of fighting to nearly 80.
Fresh clashes erupted between members of the Shalozan and Shalozan Tangi tribes in Kurram Agency, local sources said.
The clashes over the allocation of irrigation water began three weeks ago. Over 70 people have been injured in the fierce fighting.
The local political administration appears to be helpless in controlling the situation as efforts to restore peace have not produced any results.
It is believed that 10 suspected militants were among the 13 people killed in clashes yesterday. Their bodies were taken into custody by local tribesmen.
The rival groups are using heavy and sophisticated weapons to target each other's positions.
Local residents said the clashes had intensified after militant factions reportedly began faction a group of tribesmen.
The political administration has formed a tribal jirga or council to start negotiations with the fighting tribes.
Kurram Agency has been virtually cut off from the rest of Pakistan for the past two years due to intense clashes between rival Shia and Sunni tribesmen.
