PESHAWAR: Several are being reported killed in infighting between two distraught Tehreek-i-Taliban factions between whom fighting intensified on Friday in the South Waziristan tribal region.
The clash started between the two militant factions a few days ago and the cause of infighting was said to be over interference in matters inside one another’s domains.
The fighters from both sides have been launching attacks in the areas of Shawal, Shaktoi, Makin and Tank with heavy ammunition and artillery in an attempt to destroy one another’s sanctuaries.
Moreover, the internal strife between the two groups is now spilling onto the other areas of the region.
On the other hand, the TTP has remained silent on the matter of infighting in which over 30 deaths have been reported over a couple of days.
The clashes first erupted on Sunday in South Waziristan’s Shawal area between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the late Hakimullah Mehsud group.
Both factions are part of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) umbrella group, which has been waging a bloody seven-year insurgency against the state.
Militant sources had earlier suggested that differences emerged after Sajna, a senior commander, was rejected for the TTP leadership, after then-leader Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike last November.
The TTP has long been driven by infighting.
Sajna had been seen as a strong candidate to become TTP chief following Mehsud's death. But the movement's ruling council at the last minute elected Mullah Fazlullah, who hails from Swat and is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan.
Peace talks
The Pakistani government began negotiations through intermediaries with the TTP in February to try to end its insurgency.
The militant group has demanded the release of what they call “non-combatant” prisoners and the establishment of a “peace zone” from which security forces would be barred.
A bomb attack at a market in Islamabad on Wednesday killed 24 people, though the TTP denied responsibility.
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