Our Correspondent
KHYBER: At least five people, including two children, were killed and several others injured when a mortar shell struck a vehicle in the remote mountainous area of Indra Akakhel in Tirah Valley of Khyber district on Saturday, local sources said.
According to residents, the victims were returning to their homes after purchasing Iftar items from a nearby market when the mortar shell landed on their vehicle, causing severe casualties. The powerful explosion destroyed the vehicle and left the passengers critically wounded.
Rescue efforts were carried out by residents, who shifted the injured to a nearby health facility. Hospital sources confirmed that several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Authorities have not officially released the identities of the deceased.
The incident has triggered fear and panic among residents of the Tirah Valley, a remote and mountainous region of Khyber district bordering Afghanistan. Locals have demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the source of the mortar shell and called for enhanced security measures to ensure the protection of civilians.
Officials have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the origin of the shelling. Further details are awaited as authorities assess the situation.
