Waziristan strike: Two security personnel killed in TTP attack

Four militants, including three suicide bombers slain; fourth bomber blew himself up.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants on Tuesday attacked security forces in South Waziristan, killing two personnel and injuring nine, a security official told The Express Tribune.

The militants launched an offensive on the forces’ compound near Sararugh Bazaar at about 1am. In retaliation The security forces killed four militants, including three suicide bombers. However, the fourth bomber blew himself up.

The fight lasted four hours. The militants used suicide bombers and light and heavy weapons, another security official said.

The dead and injured security personnel were brought to D I Khan Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in a helicopter. The security forces also took possession of the militants’ bodies, the security official further said.

The TTP South Waziristan’s spokesperson Asimullah Asim Mehsud claimed that TTP killed dozens of security personnel and completely destroyed the security forces compound. “There were 150 security personnel in the compound, 100 of which were killed,” he said.

Asimullah said 29 militants and four suicide bombers attacked the compound. “The suicide bombers entered while other militants covered them,” he said.

“About 85% of the Mehsud area in South Waziristan is in our control now and the fight against Pakistan security forces will continue until they leave the area,” he said.

The TTP regional spokesman said the attack was carried out on the orders of Khan Saeed alias Khalid who took over after the Taliban commander Wali-ur-Rahman died in a drone attack in May.

In the morning, security forces imposed a curfew in the area and did a search operation backed by gunship helicopters.

The area where militants attacked is an open area and the internally displaced people of Mehsud tribe have returned to their homes.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2013.