Targeted attack: Roadside blast kills tribal elder

SHABQADAR: A pro-government tribal elder was killed and his associate injured when an explosive device planted by the roadside blew up.

The political administration of Bajaur said the IED blast in Tarkho killed Malak Fazal Manan while Malak Aleem Gul was critically injured.

The roadside blast occurred when they were taking a walk in their village on Sunday. Malak Fazal lost his life on the spot while his fellow elder Aleem Gul was critically injured and has been shifted to Peshawar.

The security forces rushed to the area and have initiated a search operation in the area.

Lawlessness is rife in the area. It is also border Fata where an insurgency led the outlawed TTP has destroyed most of structure. The area is also known to be infested with militants, including from Afghanistan and other armed extremist organisations.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2016.