Security forces say both had Rs5 million bounties; three suspects still at large
Security forces on Tuesday confirmed the killing of two wanted militants during a targeted operation in the Teri Mangal area of Kurram District. The deceased, identified as Hafeez-ur-Rehman and Wajid Gul, were accused of involvement in the 2023 massacre of schoolteachers and had Rs5 million bounties on their heads.
According to security sources, both individuals were part of the group responsible for the brutal killing of five teachers in Teri Mangal. A local civilian was injured in the leg during the exchange of fire.
In May 2023, six teachers were shot dead in a series of attacks across Upper Kurram. The violence began with the drive-by shooting of teacher Muhammad Sharif on Solozan Road, followed by an armed assault on the staffroom of Teri Mangal High School, where teachers overseeing exams were gunned down.
Those killed at the school included Mir Hussain, Jawad Hussain, Naveed Hussain, Jawad Ali, Muhammad Ali, and Ali Hussain—all members of the Turi Bangash tribe.
Security officials said five suspects linked to the attack had been on law enforcement watchlists. With Rehman and Gul now neutralised, efforts continue to locate the remaining three fugitives. In July 2024, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government had announced bounties on all five individuals.
Authorities emphasized that security operations in the region will persist until all terrorist elements are eliminated.
Ongoing Unrest in Kurram
The operation follows a recent uptick in violence in the region. Just last week, a roadside bomb blast in the Sharamkhel area of Pewar killed four people and injured four others. The victims were collecting firewood when the device exploded, also killing two horses.
The deceased were identified as Nawab Ali, Amir Hussain, Hidayat Hussain, and Manzar Ali. Three of the injured were transferred to Peshawar for treatment, according to Parachinar DHQ Hospital.
Kurram has seen a surge in unrest in recent months. In December, tribal clashes claimed over 100 lives and led to widespread isolation of affected areas. Authorities continue to pursue security operations to restore stability in the region.
