SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Afghan Taliban reportedly carried out mortar shelling in the Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan, targeting a civilian settlement near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in injuries to at least eight people, including children.
According to security sources, the incident took place on 29 April when Afghan Taliban forces fired mortar shells from the Angoor Adda side into adjacent residential areas. One of the shells reportedly landed on the house of civilians identified as Karim Khan and Rahmatullah, causing significant damage and injuring members of both families.
Medical officials confirmed that at least eight injured individuals, including three children, were brought to local medical facilities. A Medical Officer, Dr. Ashfaq, stated that five injured persons, including children, were initially shifted to the hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to larger medical centers for advanced care.
The Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Lower provided further details, stating that multiple houses were damaged as a result of the shelling. He confirmed that the injured, including women and children, were immediately evacuated and transported to hospitals in Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar for specialized treatment.
Security sources described the incident as a serious violation affecting civilian areas and emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored. Authorities have initiated a preliminary assessment of the damage and are coordinating relief and medical assistance for the affected families.
Local residents expressed fear and concern over the incident, as the shelling caused panic in the area and disrupted normal life. The border region of South Waziristan has historically been sensitive, with occasional cross-border tensions contributing to instability in nearby civilian settlements.
Officials have not yet provided further details regarding possible retaliatory measures or diplomatic engagement related to the incident. However, security forces remain on alert, and additional steps are expected to ensure the safety of civilians in the region.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where sporadic cross-border fire has previously affected local communities. Humanitarian concerns are expected to rise as affected families seek assistance and rehabilitation in the aftermath of the attack.
