Clashes between outlawed militant groups in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas escalated late on Tuesday after the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) torched houses of as many as 10 civilians, accusing them of being supporting the rival Ansarul Islam (AI).
According to a private TV channel, locals and witnesses confirmed the burning of the houses in Khyber Agency’s restive Tirah Valley, while other reports say at least 20 militants from both sides have also died in fresh clashes.
Meanwhile, sources say hundreds of tribal families have fled to Afghanistan owing to excessive artillery shelling by security forces in parts of the valley.
Officials confirmed that fresh clashes have escalated in Maidan area of Tirah though they were uncertain about the exact number of casualties.
Ansarul Islam spokesman Sadaat Afridi said the group had lost four of its fighters while three others were injured.
“We have killed more than 13 TTP men as their attack on the civilian houses was repulsed in Maidan Bar Bagh area,” he said.
Sadaat claimed the TTP militants had started targeting the civilians after losing ground in the battles, and has so far set ablaze more than 10 houses.
Speaking about targeting of civilians, Ehsanullah Ehsan, the TTP spokesman, said the people were supporters of the Ansarul Islam.
“They have taken up arms against the Taliban, so they would be dealt with equally,” he added.