22 killed as deadly clashes erupt between TTP, JuA factions in K-P's Kurram

Over a dozen terrorists were killed in deadly clashes between the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its breakaway faction TTP-Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) as tensions came to a boil between the commanders from both sides in Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, sources told The Express Tribune on Friday. The deadly fighting in the Manato area of Central Kurram followed a TTP Central Shura decision to take disciplinary action against some commanders of the JuA faction. Sources added that the clashes started after JuA fighters were allegedly asked to surrender arms or comply with the directives of local TTP commanders. The infighting reportedly left 19 JuA fighters dead, while three TTP members were also killed, the sources claimed. Read: Pause in fighting Sharing further details, sources further stated that a jirga had been convened to address rising tensions and resolve the dispute; however, the situation deteriorated when firing broke out between the two factions during the tribal assembly. Meanwhile, the JuA has vowed to avenge the killings and circulated images of their slain members on social media, according to sources. In a separate development, security sources said that during a recent military operation in Shawal and Spinwam areas of North Waziristan, a senior terrorist commander identified as Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib was killed along with around 30 other militants. They added that Jan Mir was considered an expert in explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and was known for his tactical expertise.

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