A former aide of slain Taliban commander Mullah Nazir was killed and another person injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Lower South Waziristan on Saturday evening, police said.
According to Wana Circle DSP Asghar Ali Shah, Muhammad Khalid and another man were travelling from Rustam Bazaar Wana towards their home in Doag when armed attackers targeted them near a cemetery.
Both men sustained gunshot wounds. Rescue officials said Khalid was critically injured and died while being shifted to Dera Ismail Khan for treatment. The second victim was taken to District Headquarters Hospital Wana, where he is receiving medical care.
Police said Khalid had previously served as an aide to Mullah Nazir’s group. However, the motive for the attack and identities of the attackers remain unknown.
An initial case has been registered and an investigation launched. Police said investigators were examining different aspects of the incident and efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Mullah Nazir was an influential Taliban commander in South Waziristan who belonged to the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe. He was killed in a US drone strike in January 2013, after which Bahawal Khan was reportedly appointed as his group’s new commander.
The latest attack comes amid growing security concerns in Lower South Waziristan, where residents have reported an increase in targeted killings, kidnappings, extortion and attacks on civilians and security personnel.
Local residents have urged authorities to strengthen security measures and take effective steps to prevent further violence in the region.
