Mortar shell kills five in Tirah valley

Protest erupts in Khyber as shell strikes civilian pickup at Iftar time

KHYBER:

At least five civilians were killed and seven others injured after mortar shells fired from an unknown direction struck a residential area in Chapri locality of Tirah valley, District Khyber, security sources said on Saturday.

The incident, which occurred at the time of Iftar, sparked panic across the area and triggered protests by local residents demanding accountability and protection.

According to security sources, multiple mortar shells landed near the local population. One shell struck a passenger pickup vehicle, killing five people, including two children, while several others sustained injuries.

Initial reports had confirmed four fatalities and three injuries, but officials later stated that one of the injured succumbed to wounds in the hospital, raising the death toll to five, while the number of injured climbed to seven.

The deceased were identified as Mehran Khan, Muntazir Afridi, Khogai and Akumat — all residents of Chapri — while authorities confirmed that one of the injured later died during treatment.

The wounded were initially shifted to Dogra Hospital, where they received emergency medical care before being referred to Peshawar for further treatment. Some of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

Security officials stated that the mortar shells were fired from an unidentified location, and investigations have been launched to determine those responsible.

The shelling also damaged nearby houses and properties, causing financial losses to affected families. Following the incident, security in the area has been tightened.

In the aftermath, local residents staged a protest, placing one of the bodies at Khyber Chowk in Bara Bazaar and launching a sit-in. Family members of the deceased and other citizens participated in the demonstration.

Protesters said the government was "not fulfilling its responsibility in maintaining peace" and demanded that the "killing of innocent civilians be stopped".