Militant commander, five others killed

Militants killed when their vehicle hit a landmine in the Central Kurram tribal region.

PESHAWAR: At least six militants, including a senior commander, were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine in the Central Kurram tribal region on Thursday, tribal sources said. The militant commander was identified as Hakim Khan, the source told The Express Tribune. Two other militants Nauroz Khan and Rahim Khan were also killed in the blast. However, the identities of the other three men could not be established. The incident took place near the Marandi area of Central Kurram region.

Sources said that Taliban militants shifted their bodies to an undisclosed location. Militants usually travel between Mamuzi area of Orakzai Agency and Kurram, and it was during such a trip when their vehicle was hit, said the sources.

It was not clear whether the militants hit their own planted mine, or were targeted.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2010.