Tribal clashes: Ansar join Zakhakhel against Mangal Bagh

Clashes between the two factions have left at least 30 people dead so far.

PESHAWAR:

The war between the two main militant groups of Khyber Agency took a new turn on Sunday when Ansarul Islam joined the Zakhakhel tribe’s militants in Mira Kholey.

Ansarul Islam militants attacked a secret jail of Lashkar-e-Islam in the early hours on Sunday and rescued 20 people who had been abducted by Lashkar-e-Islam from Peshawar  and Khyber Agency for ransom. They were allowed to return to their homes under security provided by the Ansarul Islam.

Several militants from both sides were reportedly killed and many more were injured during the attack on the prison.

Clashes between the two militants groups were reported in other parts of the Khyber Agency as well. The Lashkar-e-Islam, led by Mangal Bagh, was attacked by rival Ansarul Islam at Bango Dara and Narey Baba.

Meanwhile, seven militants were killed in Khyber Agency when the security forces opened fire on their hideouts. In another operation in Hangu, eight militants were killed when the security forces targeted the militants who had attacked the military.

There were unverified reports that the son of Mangal Bagh was also among those killed in the security forces’ attack.

Tribal sources said that they expect the war to continue until Mangal Bagh returned the kidnapped tribesmen of the Zakhakhel tribe. Lashkar-e-Islam militants attacked one of its splinter groups, comprising Zakhakhel tribesmen, on Friday evening after they developed serious difference over their internal politics.

The clashes between the Zakhakhel tribe and the Lashkar-e-Islam begun after the Lashkar-e-Islam killed Maulana Muhammad Hashim, a tribe member. The tribe is demanding that Lashkar-e-Islam hand over those militants who were responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of Maulana Hashim last week.

The source said that the Lashkar-e-Islam was retreating after suffering defeats on three fronts in Terah. Over 30 militants of the rival groups have so far been killed and many other injured.

Militants loyal to Mangal Bagh blame the Zakhakhel tribe’s defiance of their leader which caused the clashes that continued late into Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, 11 security forces personnel were seriously injured in the Qambarabad area of Bara on Saturday in a road side bomb explosion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th,  2011.