In Central Orakzai’s Sheikhan area, a violent confrontation erupted between two different Khwarij factions, leaving a local commander Abid, alias Hamza, and two other militants dead. Two additional fighters sustained injuries during the clash, according to sources.
The skirmish reportedly stemmed from dispute over territorial control and authority. A foreign commander aligned with another Khwarij faction was also killed, highlighting the intensifying rivalries among extremist groups in the region. Observers note that while one certain faction remains a key target for the interim Afghan Taliban, the Khwarij’s alignment with the Taliban adds an extra layer of operational tension.
This clash reflects broader ideological and strategic divergences.
Security experts suggest that clashes like the one in Sheikhan reveal both the fragility and fluidity of alliances among militant groups. While the ideological divide between different Khwarij factions fuels competition and occasional conflict, it also presents opportunities for Pakistan’s security forces to exploit these divisions and disrupt militant networks.
