In a disturbing escalation of lawlessness, Khawarij elements have begun looting civilians in Bannu, forcibly seizing motorcycles from passersby in what appears to be an attempt to compensate for their recent losses. According to local sources, the development comes days after the Khawarij launched an armed attack on a local jirga convened in the Sardikhel market. The assailants, however, were forced to abandon their motorcycles and flee the scene following resistance. In retaliation and to offset their losses, they have now resorted to robbing commuters at gunpoint, targeting ordinary residents and travellers in the area.
The attack on the jirga had left two individuals dead, including a police official, while two to three others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
Local residents have expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and urged authorities to take immediate and decisive action against the Khawarij before the situation spirals further out of control. Law enforcement agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the recent spate of robberies or the ongoing threat posed by these elements.
