A local tribal elder from the Darpakhel tribe was martyred early this morning in Shehzad Kot, Darpakhel area of Miranshah, North Waziristan, in an attack attributed to Khawarij associated with Gul Bahadur Group, according to local sources.
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim had refused to pay extortion money demanded by a Khawarij commander identified as Khalid Raza, also known as “Sallar Dawar,” who is reportedly operating in the Miranshah region. Following the refusal, the elder was targeted and killed.
In a swift and rare response, members of the Darpakhel tribe reportedly mobilized and took up available weapons, surrounding the Khawarij involved in the incident. An exchange of fire followed, during which several Khawarij were reportedly neutralized, though official confirmation is still awaited.
Local sources describe the incident as a notable escalation in community resistance against Khawarij elements in the area, marking one of the first reported instances since Operation Zarb-e-Azb in which local tribes in North Waziristan have directly engaged armed Khawarij groups.
Security forces have been informed, and the area has been placed under observation as authorities work to verify details and assess the situation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the incident, including confirmed casualties.
