18 terrorists killed in clash between rival groups in Kurram

At least 18 terrorists were killed, including a high-profile com-mander, during a fierce armed clash between two rival extrem-ist groups in the tribal district of Kurram, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

According to police officials, the violent confrontation took place in the Manatu Kamran Khel area of Central Kurram, where gunmen loyal to terrorist commanders Kazim and Mumtaz Imti engaged in heavy fighting.

A police spokesperson said the clash resulted in the death of notorious commander Mumtaz Omati, along with 17 other armed fighters. Following the ceasefire, local tribesmen have begun burying the dead bodies.

Security sources said multiple militant factions remain active in Central Kurram. Police have carried out periodic operations in the region, killing hundreds of extremists and destroying doz-ens of hideouts, including training camps used by banned out-fits.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the infighting was trig-gered by a territorial dispute or a rivalry over leadership.