Security officials inspect the site of attack by militants in Peshawar on February 12, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
The attack took place in the Budh Bher area of the city at a house belonging to the head of Mashko Khel Aman Lashker, identified as Israr Ali. Ali, one of his sons, two of his brothers and four of his nephews are among the deceased.
Unidentified men, at first, threw hand grenades on the house. When people came out of the house to see what had happened, the attackers started firing at them.
Local residents told The Express Tribune that all the ill-fated men were members of local Aman Lashkar, adding that four members of the family were also killed a few days ago in a gun battle with militants in which one of the militants was also killed.
Senior police official Fazal-e-Wahid stated,"At least nine men were shot dead by militants who stormed into a house around 4.30am firing with automatic weapons and exploding hand grenades."
A man of the same family who served in the community police was killed in an armed attack some 18 months ago, Wahid added.
The assailants climbed over walls of the house in order to enter it. It was reported that there were between 30 and 40 attackers.
The incident took place during the night while the police reached the site of the attack in the morning and cordoned off the area.
Najibur Rehman, another senior police official, confirmed the incident and said that the assailants came from Khyber and had targeted the family because of their affiliations with a local peace committee.
Bomb Disposal Unit also reached the location of the attack and security officials started a search operation in the area.
The bodies of the victims were taken to a local hospital for post-mortem.
Residents of the area started protesting against the killings and blocked Kohat Road.
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Government is losing grip on the state as a whole but Peshawar it has lost long back
30-40 attackers, in the heart of Peshawar? Where are the famed tribals of FATA where every man has a gun? Have they not hosted criminals? How can 30-40 terrorist gather in the city without anyone knowing? Who are the people who helped them?
Truely shocking and an unbelievable response from the Police....
Brilliant tactics by Taliban.Attacks continue and the apologists justify it in the name of sabotage of peace talks. My sincere sympathies with the helpless people of Peshawar.
Pakistan has become a very dangerous place for all. The years of speaking for the talibans, four all parties conferences endorsing peace talks with talibans, the ongoing peace talks with the talibans have all emboldened the talibans. TTP now believes that the entire country, or at least the majority of Pakistanis support their demands. They also know the more they kill, the more political parties will support them out of fear. If TTP wins the talks, Pakistan will be fully talibanized. If the talks fail TTP will feel cheated and they shall attack with more vengeance. Either way it is too bad for Pakistan and also too bad for the entire region. If Pakistanis do not want to be ruled by the talibans, the only way is for the army to go for a full fledged and ruthless action, Many lives, including innocent lives will be lost. But there is no way out. I am really alarmed watching the discussion that is going on in Pakistan's TV channels over the last two weeks. Everyone has muddled the waters. All political parties who signed off on the resolutions of the several all parties conference are responsible. I really feel sorry for the many moderate Pakistanis and woman who are engulfed in the fear of TTP rule. Very sad situation for all in Pakistan and I sincerely wish that they all get out of this extremely troubling times.
Also blame our Taliban brothers for this! without verification/proof like in all other cases. Shame!