By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Unidentified militants attacked Sabaoon Girls School and the house of a government contractor near the Barqarkhail Takiya centre late last night, spreading fear and panic in the area in Khyber district, sources said on Thursday.
According to local sources, the incident occurred at around 11:00 pm on Wednesday when unknown assailants opened fire using laser-equipped weapons. A close friend of the contractor and local journalist confirmed that Haji Rahim Shah Afridi responded by returning fire from inside his house, forcing the attackers to flee. Terrorists had planted an IED to blow up the girls’ school; however, it did not go off, and later, the BDU unit dismantled it.
No casualties were reported in the incident. The attack has created severe fear and insecurity among residents in Khyber district.
It is pertinent to mention that the government contractor had earlier been receiving extortion and threats phone calls from unidentified militant elements. Following the incident, police and security forces launched a search operation in the surrounding area, while further investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, incidents of extortion calls and demands for money have reportedly been on the rise in Khyber district and Peshawar in recent months, adding to growing concerns over law and order and the safety of civilians and businessmen.
