PESHAWAR: A serious rift within the ranks of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) seems to be intensifying with the passage of time as Abdur Rauf, an important commander and cousin of Abdul Wali Mohmand, also known as Omar Khalid Khorasani, has been gunned down somewhere in Afghanistan, according to a report by a private media outlet.
There are several reports suggesting that Rauf was killed by Khorasani himself after his intentions were found to be clear – to surrender to Pakistan Army and abandon militancy. Some reports about a rival group killing him have also surfaced.
Rauf alias Abbasi Mohmand was not only a close relative of Khorasani but was also his personal guard in the past. Rauf was a resident of Qandharo area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency and was considered very loyal and close to Khorasani.
Previously, there were confirmed reports that a large number of aides of Khorasani had parted ways and formed a new group, Hizbul Ahrar under the leadership of Mukaram Khan Mohmand after which many important militants joined the newly formed outfit and even released a video in this regard.