The Taliban have occupied Tirah Valley. PHOTO: AFP
After two months of clashes between the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Ansarul Islam (AI), Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) and the pro-government Kamar Khel militia, Tirah Valley finally fell into the hands of TTP and LI on Tuesday.
Skirmishes between the four outfits gained momentum on January 26 when hundreds of TTP militants came to Tirah from Mamozai, Orakzai Agency following a security forces operation, and tried to take control from the AI.
At the same time, in Sipah, Malikdin Khel and Akka Khel areas of Bara, militants of LI moved towards Zakha Khel and Takhtakai areas of the valley and began fighting with the pro-government militia to take over important check posts from them.
In the subsequent fighting, LI captured all the check posts from the militia in Takhtakai, Naray Baba, Lakai Sar and Madai on February 1.
Following this, pro-government volunteers moved towards the mountainous check posts of Tora Lagad and joined AI to repulse LI militants from their areas.
On February 12, TTP attacked AI check posts in Rocket Sanghar and Kajay areas. However, the AI fought back and retained control. On February 26, a gunfight erupted between AI and TTP fighters for control of Adam Khel area. AI deputy chief Islam Gul was killed during these clashes.
The TTP militants then attacked the AI stronghold Narhao of Bar Qamber Khel on March 13 and torched nearly 15 houses of AI fighters, killing area chief Haji Samar Gul.
On March 18, hundreds of LI and TTP militants assaulted the AI in Malikdin Khel, and Muhammadi compound in Maidan Bagh and Kalavach area. The AI fighters showed resistance, however, TTP militants overcame them and gained control of the area.
After capturing the entire valley, TTP and LI militants destroyed its communication system. Residents hoisted white flags on top of their houses and surrendered to the TTP, while tribesmen supporting AI started vacating their houses, moving to Orakzai Agency.
AI chief Qari Mehboobul Haq and deputy chief Maulana Izatullah Hamkhayal allegedly fled to an undisclosed location along with 25 other AI fighters after losing their stronghold.
According to reports from the valley, two suicide bombers detonated their vests on Tuesday when TTP militants entered Bagh area, resulting in heavy casualties. However, the exact number of deaths could not yet be ascertained. The affiliation of the suicide attackers could not be ascertained either.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2013.
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All this is fine, just make sure there is no drone strike in the area or else our sovereignty might be violated...