12 killed as Shells Hit Houses in NWaziristan

MIRAMSHAH: At least six women, four girls and two men have been killed while eight people seriously injured during exchange of fire between security forces and the militants, tribesmen said on Tuesday.

Four women and two girls of a family were killed when shells fired by the forces and Taliban militants landed at a house at Datta Khel, 45 kilometres from Miramshah on Tuesday, they said.

Witnesses said that the militants attacked a fort of security forces at Datta Khel and the forces also retaliated with artillery shelling.

A shell hit the house of Sadi Khan, a local tribesman, killing four women and three girls, tribesmen said.

Witnesses said that shells also landed at Datta Khel bazaar, killing two people. Two other people were injured. They were taken to Miramshah agency hospital. Doctors said they are in critical condition.

In another incident, suspected militants attacked the security forces a fort known as ‘Airport Qila’ at Miranshah and several check posts in the area.

After the attack the security forces used heavy artillery and rockets to bomb positions of the militants.

According to local tribesmen during the clash between the forces and militants some shells fell in Miramshah and nearby areas, killing two women and a girl while six other sustained injuries.

The injured were shifted to Miramshah Agency hospital.