FATA Timeline - 2013

January 1

Two girl students of a seminary were killed and five others injured when a mortar shell landed outside the institution in Akkakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The mortar shell fired from an unknown direction fell outside the seminary in Gud Malang locality when the students were leaving the place after attending their classes. The victims were identified as six-year-old daughter of Said Muhammad and seven-year-old daughter of Aziz Khan Zakhakhel. Five other girls injured in the incident were identified as daughters of Zar Malik, Manduz Zakhakhel and Zakir Khan.

A civilian worker of the FWO was killed and four security men were seriously injured when the vehicle they were travelling in was hit by a remote-controlled bomb near Matches Camp in Miranshah.

The house of an anti-polio worker was partially damaged in a blast apparently carried out by militants at Vermando Mela in Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. The sources said that militants placed explosives in the backyard of the newly- constructed house of one Ashfaq, who has been working as polio campaigner in the area for last several years, before triggering the explosion. Two rooms and a veranda were destroyed in the explosion, the sources added.

At least two suspected militants were killed and six others injured in an overnight operation by Security Forces in Miranshah of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. According to an official, curfew had been imposed in the area indefinitely.

Taliban leader Maulvi Nazir was among 10 Taliban militants killed in a US-operated drone strike in the South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The drone targeted the Taliban leader's moving convoy. "Maulvi Nazir was on his way to Wana from Birmal when the convoy was hit in Sarkundi area (in Birmal tehsil), killing him and nine others," officials sources said.

Maulvi Nazir is the second top Taliban leader to be killed in a drone strike after Baitullah Mehsud, who was chief of the TTP when he was killed in 2009. Maulvi Nazir had 'earned fame' in spring 2007 when he led a successful uprising against foreign militants in Ahmedzai Wazir-held areas, ousting Uzbek militants along with their local supporters. He linked administration of polio vaccination to cessation of drone strikes and no polio drive could be launched in Ahmedzai Wazir areas since the ban in June 2012.

Security agencies warned the Government of likely backlash from the supporters of Maulvi Nazir. "There may be backlash from a Taliban group and the federal government should direct all provincial capitals to increase vigilance against any threat," security officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon (US) welcomed reports that Maluvi Nazir was killed in a drone strike, saying his death would represent a "major development." Pentagon spokesman George Little did not confirm the reports of the killing, but said, "If the reports are true, then this would be a significant blow, and would be very helpful not just to the United States but also to our Pakistani partners."

Nazir was killed along with his five guards when a missile hit his vehicle while he was going to Wana from Birmal on January 2. Maulvi Nazir's key aide Rata Khan was among the other militants killed when the vehicle was attacked near Angoor Adda on the Afghan border, the official said. Nazir had survived a suicide bombing in November 29, 2012. The TTP, the umbrella organisation of Pakistani militant groups, denied its involvement, but Nazir, under pressure from the government, ordered the expulsion of Mehsud tribesmen from Wana. The TTP leadership comes from the Mehsud tribe. He had entered into a peace agreement with the government after his group expelled militants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, led then by Tahir Uldashev, in 2007 from the area. Nazir's fighters avoided attacking government and Security Forces' installations in the tribal region and cooperated with the local administration, an official said. The military is believed to have struck a non-aggression pact with Nazir ahead of its 2009 operation against militants in South Waziristan. Nazir was understood to be close to the al Qaeda-linked Haqqani Network. Nazir had property in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. He earlier used to be a member of the Hizb-i-Islami, an Afghan militant group.

Nazir's group quickly appointed his close aide Bawal Khan as a replacement, according to one of his aides. But a Reuters report named the successor as Salahuddin Ayubi.

In NWA, six militants, a close associate of the TTP's chief Hakimullah Mehsud among them, were killed in a drone attack in Mir Ali tehsil. According to sources, unmanned aircraft fired two missiles at about 9am on a car carrying Shah Faisal and other militants in Mubarak Shahi, some 20 kilometers east of Miranshah. Two others killed in the attack were identified as Israr and Lateef.

Local authorities said that a second drone strike targeted other militants, including TTP 'commander' Faisal Khan and two Uzbek militants in Mir Ali region of NWA on January 2.

Helicopter gunships pounded several areas in NWA, killing three people, including a woman, and injuring four others. Dozens of families fled the area after several houses were damaged by shelling on Matches Camp in Miranshah. Militants were suspected to be hiding in the areas. The administration imposed a curfew in the region for the second day and launched a search operation after a security man and a civilian were killed and four personnel injured in a roadside bomb attack on a vehicle of the Frontier Works Organization.

A Government school was blown up in Mashokhel village in the night. Police officials in the area said the militants bombed the school by placing explosives at the building of the Government High School Mashokhel located the jurisdiction of the Badaber Police Station. The explosion was triggered with a remote-controlled device that destroyed three rooms and caused cracks in other parts of the building.

Twenty militants were killed and 12 others sustained injuries in air strikes carried out by Army warplanes in the Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said that fighter jet bombed the sanctuaries of the TTP in Dwatoy and Bragat areas, killing 20 militants and causing injuries to 12 others. The official sources said that 'commander' Abdul Wali alias Umar Khalid, designated head of TTP for Tirah valley, was also present in Dwatoy at the time of the attack. Some reports suggested that he was among the dead. However, it couldn't be verified from independent sources or the TTP due to lack of communication facilities in the Tirah Valley.

The Kukikhel part of the Tirah valley fell to the TTP a few months back after the militant group defeated the Kukikhel Afridi tribal lashkar. The sources said that the Commander Tariq Afridi-led faction of TTP having bases in the valley had claimed responsibility for the assassination of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister Bashir Bilour in Peshawar and also for the killing of 22 kidnapped members of the Levies force in Frontier Region Peshawar. Sources said that TTP cadres had celebrated the death of Bashir Bilour by resorting to festive firing for two hours in Dwatoy and surrounding areas. The fresh airstrikes conducted by the SFs might be a reaction to the assassination of Bashir Bilour and the deaths of 22 Levies personnel.

Seven more bullet-riddled bodies were recovered near Sarobi village area on Miranshah-Razmak road in NWA. The sources said unknown people after killing the seven men placed their bodies near Sarobi village. The residents of Sarobi village went there and saw the seven bodies, but they were not able to recognise them. The villagers said all the seven men were shot dead. They said some of the bodies had several marks of bullet injuries. It was second time bullet-riddled bodies were recovered in the volatile tribal region during the past few days. Nine bullet-riddled bodies were recovered a few days ago from Mir Ali subdivision.

A jirga of Haleemzai tribe in Mohmand Agency decided at Ghallanai to strengthen the local peace committees to protect Government properties in the area. The jirga, held at the hujra of local peace committee leader Malik Mohammad Ali Haleemzai at Sangar village, extended cooperation to SFs and political administration in maintenance of peace in the tribal region.

At least 17 persons, all believed to be suspected militants, were killed and eight others sustained injuries in three separate US drone attacks in the mountainous Babar area of Ladha subdivision in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. According to sources, the drones fired 10 missiles and hit three different compounds of militants located in the remote mountainous Babar area. The compounds were reportedly inhabited by the militants affiliated with Hakimullah Mehsud's TTP and cadres of the Punjabi TTP chapter leader Qari Imran. A cousin of the TTP 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud, Wali Mohammad Toofan, was among the killed militants. Toofan had been recently elevated to head TTP's 'Fidayee wing' (Suicide wing) after its leader Qari Hussain died in a drone strike.

Ten militants killed and several others were injured when fighter planes shelled in the militants' stronghold of Arghanjoo in Mamozai area in Orakzai Agency. Witnesses said that the planes came into action at around 10am and carried out intense shelling on four houses, razing them to the ground. The dead belonged to Uthmankhel, Ferozkhel and Mamozai areas.

Six persons, including a woman, were killed when unidentified assailants ambushed a car in Dargai area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. The sources said that the car was heading to Jamrud Bazaar from Chapri village when armed assailants ambushed it and killed two people and injured four others. All the victims of the shooting belonged to Kukikhel tribe.

At least two security personnel were killed and another one injured in an IED explosion near Albo security check post in Margano Jalaa area of Khwezai tehsil, some 40 kilometres west of Ghalanai, the main town of Mohmand Agency. Assistant Political Agent for Khwezai, Ghazi Nawaz, confirmed that two security personnel were killed and one was injured in the blast.

Tribal elder Malik Amir Nawaz Khan escaped a remote controlled bomb blast at Kassai area of Haleemzai tehsil. Officials said that Malik Amir Nawaz was going to Sangar village to attend a jirga when the blast occurred. He escaped unhurt.

In Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency, Army jetfighters targeted militant hideouts. Sources said that the hideouts were pounded in Khurma Tung area of Akkakhel. Two hideouts were destroyed while militants escaped unhurt as they had vacated the place before the aerial bombing.

SFs arrested four suspected militants during a search operation in Ghundi area of Jamrud tehsil.

At least eight militants were killed and four others injured when US drones fired missiles struck militant compounds in the villages of Haider Khel and Hisokhel, some 25 kilometres east of Miranshah, the main town in the North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Legal lobby group Reprieve estimates that up to nearly 900 civilians were among the 2,621 to 3,442 people killed by drones in Pakistan since 2004.

A member of a peace committee was killed and another injured in an explosion in Bokhar, remote area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Unidentified assailants had planted the bomb near the road that exploded, killing a member of peace committee, Imran, and injured another person, identified as Noor Muhammad.

The dead body of a Sikh man, who was abducted by militants over a month ago after accusing him of acting as a "spy" for a rival group, was recovered from Zakhakhel Bazaar in Khyber Agency. Unidentified militants abducted Mohinder Singh from his shop in Tabbai village on November 20.

Three security men - a khasadar, Khan Akbar, and two personnel of Mehsud Scouts - Naib Subedar Ashraf and Sepoy Asad - were injured when unidentified militants ambush a convoy of SFs in Muslim Dhand area of Bara. The convoy was on its way to Levies centre in Shahkas when it was attacked.

Four children were injured when a mortar shell fell on the house of Askar Khan Malikdinkhel in Sur Kas area of Bar Qambarkhel.

SFs with the help of Shalobar Peace Committee arrested four suspected militants during a raid in Nawgazee Baba area. The arrested men, Mohammad Jan, Khuga Jan, Marjan Khan, Jerman Khan and Zar Mohammad, were accused of having contacts with a Bara-based militant outfit.

Unidentified militants abducted four watchmen at Jandola bazaar in the FR Tank. The sources said watchmen Sultan Khan, Attaullah Khan Bhittani, Shaukat Khan Bhittani and Samiullah were abducted from a private market in Jandola Bazaar.

At least six militants were killed in US drones attack in Heso Khel village on the edge of Mir Ali town, around 35 kilometres east of Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. It was the fifth American drone strike reported in Pakistan in a week. Pakistani security officials said US drones fired four missiles - two at a house and another two at a nearby motorbike, killing four militants in the house and two on the bike.

One soldier, Amir Khan, was injured critically when militants fired at a checkpost in Ajali Nadi area of Shalobar in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Two children received injuries when a mortar shell fell on the house of Hikmat Khan near Aziz Market of Akkakhel area while in Mandi Kas area one Hazratullah was injured in a similar incident.

In the same locality, two rooms of a private school were badly damaged when a mortar shell hit it. An overhead water tank at the house of Malik Waris Khan, a Former Minister of State, was also damaged when it was hit by a stray mortar shell.

Militants blew up a Government school for girls in Hanji Ayub Kallay in Spin Qabar area in the night. The explosion destroyed the school building and caused damage to two nearby houses.

LI warned Zakhakhel tribe to either provide it with volunteers or leave the area. Sources said that LI militants distributed pamphlets and made announcements through loudspeakers in Shalobar area, asking Zakhakhel to send them volunteers or leave the area.

A roadside bomb killed as many as 14 soldiers and injured 21 others in Dosali village, 50 kilometres south of Miranshah, in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. A 'spokesman' for the Mujahideen Ansar, a group dominated by Uzbek fighters, claimed responsibility and said that the attack was retaliation for the Army's complicity in drone strikes. The group is allied to TTP.

A soldier was killed when a shell fired by the militants hit a security checkpost in the Nala area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. The killed soldier was identified as Sepoy Rehmat Hussain. Following the attack, SFs shelled the suspected positions of militants in various areas of Bara.

One person was killed and eight others were injured when a blast struck a passenger coach in Khwar Killay area near Sadda town in Kurram Agency of FATA. A passenger coach, carrying around two dozen passengers, was travelling from Peshawar to Parachinar when it was struck by a remotely detonated IED.

Three khasadar personnel, captured by militants during a clash in Kohikhel area of Shalobar in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA, were beheaded. At least seven khasadar personnel were injured during clashes. The fighting erupted in the evening after militants attacked three security posts in Kohikhel. The attackers reportedly forced security personnel to retreat from two posts and captured arms and ammunition.

Seven soldiers and four militants were killed in fighting between banned LI and SFs in Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said that dozens of militants of LI attacked the newly-established three security posts manned by personnel of FC, Pakistan Army and Khasadar Force in Arjaleen Adey, Machine Dhand and Mashomanu Adeera in Shalobar area of Bara. Following the attack, the SFs shelled the suspected positions of militants in different areas of Bara from nearby bases. Two helicopters shelled the suspected hideouts of militants in Shalobar and Nala area but no casualties were reported. The sources said that dozens of suspected persons were also arrested by SFs in Sepah and Shalobar area of Bara.

13 bullet-riddled bodies of local people belonging to three families were also found in Alamgudar and Dogra areas of Bara populated by Sepah Afridi tribe. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the killings.

197 Pakistani militants surrendered to the Army in the year 2012 in Bajaur Agency. Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah commented, "During the past five years, more than 6,000 militants have surrendered to the government". He further added that ex-militants who surrendered have denounced terrorism and joined mainstream society. Peace committees and the general public has been instrumental in forcing militants to lay down arms, he further said.

LI militants attacked the house of a FC trooper Shabir in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA and killed his father Abdul Jalil and four brothers. An FC official said that Shabir was not at home at the time of the attack.

At least five persons, including two women and two children, were killed and nine others were injured when helicopter gunships shelled targets in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Sources said the helicopter gunships attacked targets in Hassamkhel, Haiderkhel, Inzar, Aipee and Khushal Toorikhel villages in Mir Ali. Several houses were destroyed in the shelling. According to the sources, the shelling was in retaliation to a remote-controlled bomb attack on security personnel.

At least five volunteers of Aman Lashkar sustained injuries when a bomb exploded in the Shalobar area of Khyber Agency in FATA. An IED was planted on a roadside which exploded. However, no loss of life was reported.

Two security personnel were killed and 11 others injured when a landmine exploded during a search operation in Kanra village under Pandyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. SFs with the help of Khasadars and volunteers of a peace Lashkar were conducting the search operation in Kanra village, when the landmine planted by militants went off. Lance Naik Abdul Mehmood and Ziaullah were killed and five security personnel, four Khasadars and two volunteers were injured.

One Frontier Constabulary personnel was killed and another received injuries when militants fired at their vehicle in Zakhakhel Bazaar area in Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. Officials said that a group of security men was attacked by militants when they were fetching water from a natural spring in the area.

Unidentified militants blew up a Government school in Merikhel village of Akkakhel in Bara. The explosion caused damage to a major portion of the school structure, one of the oldest Government buildings in the area.

Four personnel of the FC were seriously injured when unidentified militants attacked a convoy of the Security Forces on the Thall-Mir Ali Road in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Sources said a convoy of the Thall Scouts, a wing of the FC, was on its way to Spinwam in Mir Ali subdivision from Thall subdivision in the Hangu District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) when it was targeted through an IED.

Seven militants were killed and four others were injured in a blast in Jandary Killay in Orakzai Agency of FATA. The sources said that the militants had been using the abandoned house as hideout in Jandary Killay area. Unidentified persons, the sources added, had placed explosive device at the house, which went off at 10 am, leaving seven militants dead and four others injured. The sources said that the house comprising four rooms was destroyed in the blast.

Militants dumped the mutilated body of a purported Afghan spy accused of collaborating on US drone strikes that killed Mullah Nazir on January 2. The body of the man, identified as Asmatullah Kharoti, was found in Wana, the main town of the South Waziristan Agency, which borders Afghanistan. Local officials said he had been shot dead and there were wounds on his neck. Two notes on the body ordered the remains to be left on the roadside until 10am "so that everyone could see the fate of spies", and the second accusing him of being a spy and being responsible for US drone attacks. "He is a spy and was giving information to US and ISAF forces in Afghanistan about our activities," a local official quoted the note as saying. "He is responsible for the killing of five of our senior members, including Mullah Nazir, in drone attacks."

Jet fighters bombarded suspected positions of the TTP in the Kukikhel area of Tirah valley in the night, killing nine people, including six militants.

At least 31 persons were killed when Tariq Afridi faction of TTP militants attacked AI, a pro-Government militants group, in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. About 300 Tariq Afridi faction of TTP militants, armed with mortars and RPGs, launched the overnight assault in the Maiden area of Tirah Valley, a maze of valleys on a route from Afghanistan to Peshawar. The AI cadres retaliated, killing 15 TTP militants and capturing eight others, while three villagers, including an elderly woman, were killed in crossfire. TTP militants also killed 13 AI cadres.

The death toll in the ongoing fighting between Tariq Afridi faction of the TTP) and pro-Government militant group AI in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA climbed to 71. The violence began in Tirah valley three days ago after cadres of the Tariq Afridi faction, who operate in Khyber Agency, captured a building belonging to AI. "The Ansar-ul-Islam group re-took their centre after intense fighting. A senior security official confirmed the approximate death toll and said fighting was ongoing. The area is cut off to journalists and aid workers so it was not possible to confirm the death toll independently. As reported earlier, least 31 persons were killed when TTP militants attacked AI militants on January 26.

A roadside bomb, apparently planted to target a convoy of the Security Forces on Kohat-Hangu road in Utman Khel area in Orakzai Agency, went off. However, the explosion caused no damage or casualty.

With 10 more deaths, the death toll in the fighting between Tariq Afridi faction of the TTP and pro-Government militant group AI in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA climbed to 81. As reported earlier, 71 persons had died till January 27 in the clashes that erupted on January 25. Due to the volatile situation, thousands of families have been displaced.

13 suspected militants were killed and 16 others were injured when Army warplanes targeted TTP hideouts in Arghanjoo and Mir Qalamkhel area in Mamozai tehsil of Orakzai Agency. Six militant camps and an explosive-laden vehicle were reportedly destroyed in the bombardment. The military offensive during the past few months has cleared Orakzai Agency of up to 90% of its militant presence, security officials said.

At least 24 militants were killed when Army warplanes bombed militant positions in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Officials said the planes attacked targets in Dwa Thoe, Bara Gatt, Wocha Wona and Nakai areas where TTP and LI have their bases or hideouts. Sources said that stores of food and arms were destroyed. A statement issued by Security Forces said militant hideouts were busted during the 24-hour target operation and 24 terrorists, some of them belonging to the TTP and LI, were killed.

Six members of a family were killed when a mortar fell on the house of one Ghani Gul in Sponrhai area of Kukikhel in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Meanwhile, SFs said that curfew would be imposed in the entire Bara subdivision of Khyber Agency from January 31 morning. They made announcements through loudspeakers in most parts of Bara, advising local people to remain inside their houses till next order. The SFs didn't cite any reason for imposition of the indefinite curfew in the entire Bara.

Three soldiers were injured when unidentified militants attacked a military convoy with an IED on Bannu-Miranshah road in Miranshah town NWA. The IED planted on the main road went off when the military convoy was passing through the area. A military vehicle was damaged and three soldiers sustained injuries in the blast.

10 mortar shells fired from across the border in Afghanistan landed in Loli Faqeeran village of Ghulam Khan Area in NWA.

Twelve militants, including two peace committee members, were killed and six militants were injured in clashes in various parts of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency in FATA. The AI claimed it had gained control of 16 TTP centres at Mamozai near Tirah.

Eight volunteers of a peace committee were killed when a mortar shell went off accidentally in a bunker used by volunteers of the Kamarkhel peace committee at Takhtakai when ammunitions were being shifted to another base. Kamarkhel is a neutral tribe and doesn't want to indulge in fighting but recently it has taken up arms to keep Takhtakai from the influence of any militant group. LI has been carrying out sporadic attacks on the Kamarkhel tribesmen to take control of the important location to which the Kamarkhel volunteers are offering resistance. AI wants to push back fighters of LI from Takhtakai area because it is close to Bagh Maidan, the headquarters of AI.

In a clash with Kamarkhel volunteers in the area LI 'commander' Mehar Gul was killed and four of his associates were injured as fierce fighting continued in Takhtakai.

A bomb blast killed two polio vaccination workers in Mali Khel village in Kurram Agency. There has been no claim of responsibility for the killings. "The two-men team was visiting Mali Khel village in upper Kurram tribal region when an improvised explosive device planted along the roadside went off, killing them on the spot," Jawad Ali, in- charge of the campaign in Kurram Agency said.

Eleven members of the Kamarkhel Peace Committee were killed as clashes with LI militants intensified in the Lakai Sar, Madai and Tor Lagad areas of Takhtakai in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The day-long clashes left 11 peace committee members dead and several others injured. However, the peace committee members were able to keep the LI men at bay. The LI men torched a number of houses they had captured in parts of the Takhtakai areas and made bunkers in others.

Six militants were killed when a mortar shell fired by NATO and Afghan troops from across the border hit a bunker in Zeba Ghar area near Angoor Adda, some 60km from Wana, in South Waziristan Agency. Sources said 30 shells had been fired from Macha Dad camp across the border in Afghanistan. One shell hit the bunker, killing six militants and injuring three others. They belonged to Maulvi Nazir fraction of TTP.

The bullet-riddled body of a militant was found in Jandola area of FR Tank. He was identified as Hikmat Bittani, a member of the group headed by 'Commander' Turkistan.

SFs arrested a would-be bomber along with his handler and recovered explosive material during a check-up at Yakaghund Checkpost in Mohmand Agency. The sources said acting on a tip-off, the personnel of the Mohmand Rifles stopped a passenger coach on Yakaghund Checkpost. On thorough search, the law-enforcement agencies arrested a would-be suicide and his handler.

Security officials arrested a terrorism suspect and recovered a cache amount of arms and ammunition during a raid in Shani Khel area under Halemzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. During a press conference, Commandant Mohmand Rifles, Colonel Mushtaq Ahmad said a joint operation was conducted by Levies, Khasadars and Mohmand Rifles in Shani Khel. The raid was conducted at the house of Ijaz the alleged mastermind of suicide attack in Yakaghund on January 31. Security officials then arrested Dr Ibrahim, on the information provided by Ijaz on February 3.

As the authorities contemplate officially declaring the troubled Tirah Valley area of Khyber Agency "war-hit zone", more than 2,500 families have been forced to evacuate amid deadly clashes between militant outfits. Outfits including the TTP, AI, LI and the pro-Government peace militia of Qambarkhel have been fighting a bloody turf war in Khyber Agency for 12 days.

Despite repeated attempts, no official of the FATA Disaster Management Authority responded to calls for their comments on the crisis. An official of the PDMA said, however, that after the political agent declares an area war-affected, the Fata authority will send the provincial authority a letter to distribute food and provide other facilities.

Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman, referring to continued drone strikes in FATA, urged the Barrack Obama administration not to cross "red line". Rehman said that drones strikes were "a clear violation of our sovereignty and a violation of international law" that threatened stable relations between the two Governments.

At least 10 militants were killed and several others were injured when jet fighters pounded their hideouts in the TTP stronghold of Mamozai town in Orakzai Agency of FATA. Sources said that the jets targeted militant positions in Arghanjoo and Lando Qamar areas and destroyed four hideouts.

Five persons were killed after six missiles hit a house in Tehsil Spain Warm of North Waziristan Agency.

SFs killed 12 militants in an air raid on militant hideouts in the Mamozai are of Orakzai Agency in FATA. According to sources, five hideouts were destroyed in the attack. Earlier on February 6, 10 suspected militants were killed in a similar raid. It was the fifth such attack on militants this year. According to SFs, the previous four air raids killed around 38 militants, while 11 hideouts were destroyed. However, the exact figures are difficult to verify.

A bomb blast killed 16 persons and injured 27 others in Kalaya, the capital of the Orakzai Agency in FATA. A journalist and one paramilitary personnel were among the dead, said Assistant Political Agent Fazal-i-Qadir. The bomb targeted people from the pro-government Feroz Khel tribe, who have shops in the market, he said. The bomb was planted near the DVD and mobile shop surrounded by small kiosks selling tea and other edibles, he added further.

Following the attack, nine militants were killed after jets bombed militants' hideout in Upper tehsil.

Seven militants were killed and six others injured when the US drones fired six missiles and pounded two separate mud-built houses in Babar area of Ladha subdivision in South Waziristan Agency.

At least five AI militants were killed and four others were injured in clashes with TTP in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Eight militants were killed and 15 others received injuries as the militants of TTP and AI clashed in Bhuttan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The renewed clashes, which started on February 11, continued on February 12 without any letup. Sources said that TTP launched a fresh offensive against AI in Bhuttan area and inflicted losses on it. AI claimed that it had strengthened its hold over two important bunkers in Dwa Stanai area and recaptured Rocket Sangar. Both sides used heavy weapons against each other.

The on-going infighting between the TTP and AI killed 19 more militants from both sides in Drey Stani area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Of those 19, 13 were TTP militants and six were affiliated with AI.

A volunteer of a peace committee was killed and more than a dozen houses were set ablaze by militants in Sheen Qamar area of Bara tehsil.

In Barkai area of Storikhel, militants torched the residential compound of a local elder, Malik Almas Khan Storikhel.

The political agent of North Waziristan Agency of FATA submitted complete report of casualties caused by the drone attacks from 2008 to 2012 to the PHC through Deputy Attorney General M Iqbal Mohmand that claimed that around 894 persons, including 48 foreigners, 35 women and 24 children, were killed in the US drone attacks in during the last five years. According to the report, the US drones conducted 147 attacks on various locations in North Waziristan from 2008 to 2012.

An explosion in the village of Hassanzo in Orakzai Agency of FATA killed seven people and wounded 13. In a second attack in the same place, a van carrying civilians was hit by a blast which killed two people and wounded 10.

Eight militants were killed and two hideouts were destroyed in Army air strikes in the Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. SFs have been carrying out these air strikes in recent months against TTP militants - killing 250 militants so far, media reported.

10 militants were killed when the jetfighters pounded their hideouts in Jandary Killay, Mir Qalamkhel and others adjoining localities in the TTP-controlled Mamozai tehsil (revenue unit) area in Orakzai Agency of FATA. "Ten militants were killed and four of their hideouts were destroyed in the shelling," an official claimed.

Four soldiers were injured in a bomb explosion in Razmak Town of North Waziristan Agency.

Unidentified militants attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying military equipment bound for NATO operations in Afghanistan, killing two persons, in Landi Kotal town in the Khyber Agency of FATA.

A vehicle carrying NATO supplies to Afghanistan was partially damaged when a bomb planted at a roadside went off at Teddy Bazaar in Jamrud tehsil (revenue unit) of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Another bomb planted nearby was successfully defused by the BDS. Following the incident, Khasadar personnel reached the site and launched a search operation during which they found another bomb weighing eight kilogrammes.

Nine militants were killed and several others injured in shelling and bombing by military jets in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security sources said that three suspected militant hideouts were bombarded. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also destroyed in the operation.

At least eight terrorists were killed in air strikes in Upper tehsil of Orakzai Agency.

One civilian was killed when hit by a mortar shell in Takhtakai area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

SFs arrested over 200 suspected persons during a search operation in various areas of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. The sources said that the SFs carried out search operation in Gudmalang, Droadda and Baazgarah areas and arrested more than 200 suspected persons and shifted them to nearby Fort Salop FC base for investigation.

The vehicular traffic was disrupted in Haleemzai tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA when an improvised explosive device went off on Barokehl-Sultankhel Road.

Fifteen militants and two security personnel were killed in shelling by warplanes on the TTP positions and an encounter between the LI and SFs in Tirah Valley and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Sources said the jet fighters bombarded the positions of TTP in Sorkas, Sra Vella and Dwatoy in Kukikhel area in Tirah. At least, 10 militants were killed and eight injured in the air strikes. A vehicle and five sanctuaries of the militants were also destroyed in the aerial attack.

SFs encountered with the LI militants in Nala area during a search operation in various areas of Bara subdivision including Mandikas, Bachi Nehar and Yousaf Talab As a result of crossfire, five militants and two security personnel were killed while 10 soldiers and six militants were injured.

At least seven TTP terrorists were killed when SFs pounded Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security sources said that the aircraft targeted Kukikhel area and destroyed TTP hideouts.

One FC trooper was killed and six others were injured in a blast at Fort Slope Camp in Khajoori area in Bara tehsil.

In the same Agency, Khasadar Force defused an explosive device planted along the roadside In Jamrud area.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two brothers on Ghundi Road in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

A journalist Malik Mumtaz Khan was shot dead in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency.

At least eight militants were killed and 12 suffered injuries as jet fighters pounded militant hideouts in Jendri and Shah Wali villages of Mamozai tehsil in Orakzai Agency of FATA. Sources said jets targeted militant positions in Jendri and Shah Wali villages of Mamozai tehsil at 4:50pm.

Unidentified militants blew up two primary and two middle schools in the Kandharoo area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency. The buildings were empty during the explosions.

Ten militants were killed in an operation by SFs at Lando Qamar, Arghanjoo and Adamkhel areas of the Orakzai Agency in FATA. Two hideouts of the militants were also destroyed.

Seven militants, a 'commander' among them, were killed when PAF jets targeted their hideouts in Sandana and Speen Dhand areas of Sipah area in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency. Independent and official sources said the seven militants belonged to the LI.

SFs had pounded LI positions with heavy artillery in Ghaibi Neeka area of Bara tehsil, injuring a man and a minor girl. The artillery shelling being carried out since March 1 damaged a number of houses and a mosque. Sources said that SFs had positioned tanks and artillery in Mushtari camp and Dari-Lowarrh Kali from where they were pounding LI hideouts and bunkers in Sipah area.

In Shalobar area of Bara, a lieutenant of Mehsud Scouts was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at him. Security officials said the incident took place during a search operation.

There was no loss of life in a roadside blast in the Mamond tehsil of the Bajaur Agency.

Activists of JUI-S along with tribal leaders held a protest outside the Peshawar Press Club against increasing drone strikes in Waziristan of FATA. JUI-S leader and former legislator, Ikramullah Shahid said that nine drone attacks occurred during Pervez Musharraf's regime from 2002 to 2008, whereas 230 drone strikes have been carried out in Waziristan during the current Government's tenure, killing more than 3,500 innocent people.

A bomb blast injured a polio lady health worker, identified as Sameea Zaib in the Jamrud Civil Hospital of Jamrud District in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Nine militants were killed in a clash with SFs in Mondan area of Mamozai in upper Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Five soldiers were injured in an IED explosion in Frontier Region (FR) Bannu.

Separately, one person was injured in a blast in the Jamrud tehsil (revenue unit) of the Khyber Agency.

Unidentified assailants tortured a polio worker in Landikotal town and warned him and others involved in the anti-polio campaign to quit the campaign or be ready to be killed.

At least 12 militants were killed and several others were injured during an operation by the SFs in different areas of Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Four militants were killed and six others were injured in renewed clashes between TTP and AI in Theerak Sangar and Zeerhak Kandaw areas of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency.

At least 20 militants and a volunteer of peace Lashkar TI were killed in a joint operation carried out by SFs and Zakhakhel tribal Lashkar against the banned LI in various areas of the Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Three hideouts of militants were also destroyed in the military offensive.

Five militants of TTP and three from AI were killed in clashes in Khwajalee Tambu area of Tirah valley.

Three persons were shot dead and another was injured by unidentified assailants in Garigal village of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

A US drone strike killed two suspected militants in Degan village of Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

A ten-year-old boy was killed and another was injured in a blast at the Asrafkhel link road in Landikotal town of Khyber Agency. During the site inspection, another bomb that was planted near the blast site was recovered and was disposed off by the BDS, sources said. A massive search operation was launched in the area and twenty suspected tribesmen were arrested and sent to the cantonment for interrogation, according to sources.

Two persons were injured when a pickup truck was targeted with an explosive device planted by unidentified militants on roadside near Parao Chinar in lower Kurram Agency.

Three soldiers, including an officer, were killed in a roadside blast in Dogar area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

Several tribal families have crossed over into Afghanistan owing to excessive artillery shelling by the SFs and aerial bombing in parts of Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Source said that the people, who were migrating to Afghanistan from Tirah, belonged to Sipah, Malikdinkhel, Akkakhel, Qambarkhel and Kukikhel areas of Khyber Agency.

16 militants were killed and 12 others were injured in fresh clashes between TTP and AI in Maidan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA, tribal sources said.

Twenty militants were killed and another 20 injured as fighting between the TTP and AI outfit continued in the Qambarkhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

At least five security personnel were severely injured in a remote-controlled blast in the Miranshah area of North Waziristan in FATA.

Ten militants were killed and six others injured when jetfighters pounded their hideouts in Chappar area of Mamozai tehsil in Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants bombed two Government primary schools in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency.

Forty six militants, including an Uzbek 'commander', were killed in twin suicide attacks on the TTP in the headquarters of the AI in Bagh area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

TTP and LI occupied the Maidan area, the stronghold of pro-Government AI, in Tirah Valley.

Talking to reporters from an undisclosed location, the deputy head of AI, Ezatullah, said that his organisation was intact and would fight from Zakhakhel and Orakzai Agency to defeat the invaders in Maidan.

One security personnel suffered injuries when militants attacked a check post in Sadiqabad area in Bajaur Agency.

SFs arrested at least 11 suspects and recovered explosives and other items used in bomb making during a search operation in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency of FATA. SFs recovered at least 100 kilograms of explosives and other item used in bomb making.

Four militants were killed when US drone fired two missiles on a house in Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

An armed clash left a militant killed and a security man injured in Dro Adda area of Akkakhel in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. Officials said that SFs clashed with a group of militants when the latter attacked a security check post in Dro Adda area. In the firing exchange, a militant was killed and a soldier received injuries.

Unidentified militants blew up a Government school in Meeri Khel area of Akkakhel. Official sources said that militants blew up the girl's school in Misri chowk by planting a huge quantity of explosives inside the building.

Unidentified persons opened fire on a NATO container at Wazir Dhand locality of Jamrud tehsil. Local officials said that a cleaner of the vehicle received minor injuries in the attack.

Prospective candidates of political parties in Hangu District have so far restricted their election meetings to hujras, while some of them have been demanding that elections should be held under the supervision of Army in this volatile District due to threat of TTP attacks.

A suicide bomber rammed a water tanker bomb at a military check post, killing 17 SFs, one civilian and injured 25 others near Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan Agency, in FATA.

SFs arrested 13 suspects and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in Mohmand area of Mohmand Agency.

The TTP has set up a special death squad to target former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf upon his arrival, who is expected to land in Karachi on March 24, says a militant video released on March 23. The TTP has also called upon the Baloch insurgents to join hands with the militant outfit to wage a joint-war for implementing Shariah laws in the country.

Two security personnel were killed in a remote-controlled blast in Damadola area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA.

More than fifty thousand families have migrated from the Tirah Valley. The Tirah Valley has now become an abode of TTP and LI after they have jointly pushed out the armed fighters affiliated with AI, which is led by Mehboobul Haq.

The candidates for a National Assembly seat in Bara have demanded of the authorities to postpone the upcoming general elections in NA-46 constituency owing to threats from a militant outfit and inability of political administration to devise a foolproof security plan for electioneering.

The Jalozai refugee camp administration has chalked out a new security plan with the help of the DPO for the safety of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The plan includes setting up three security barriers and deploying more police personnel. The UNHCR postponed the registration of IDPs from Tirah Valley at the camp on March 22 following a deadly blast that killed at least 17 people, including a female social worker, and injured 28 others.

The Supreme Court has sought complete report from the FATA secretary regarding the losses of human lives due to terrorist attacks in FATA and PATA since April 12, 2008 to date.

Security Forces killed four Afghan-based militants as the troops repulsed a cross border attack on a security check-point in Nawagal tehsil.

Unidentified militants blew up a filling station in Sadda Bazaar of Kurram Agency in FATA. The sources said unidentified militants placed a bag near the manager's room at the filling station owned by Gul Manan in Sadda Bazaar.

The political administration in Landi Kotal of Khyber Agency has imposed a ban on display of arms and use of indecent language during the election campaign. The decision was taken during a meeting in Landi Kotal that was attended by all the candidates contesting elections from NA-45 constituency of Khyber Agency and Assistant Political Agent Dr Azmat Wazir.

A remote-controlled bomb killing two security personnel patrolling Damadola village of Bajaur Agency, near the border with Afghanistan.

The political administration along with the jirga members destroyed the houses of four militants in the Halemzai tehsil of the Mohmand Agency.

Twelve militants were killed during operation by the SFs in Mamoonzai area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Three militants' hideouts have also been destroyed in the shelling.

Four soldiers were injuried in a roadside blast in Sheedano Dhand area of lower Kurram Agency.

A man sustained injuries when a hand grenade went off in Amandarra area in Malakand Agency of FATA.

Around 43,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Maidan area of Tirah valley of Khyber Agency of FATA over the past two weeks because of escalation of hostilities between militant groups in the tribal region, the UN Office for OCHA said. According to figures released by the FDMA, around 10 per cent of the IDPs have taken refuge in Kurram Agency and the rest in Hangu, Kohat, Nowshera and Peshawar Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Some of the political parties, like the ANP and PPP-P, are finding it hard to hold big gatherings for electioneering in FATA due to serious threats. These parties are even unable to held corner meetings due to strong hold of non-state actors in FATA.

Eight militants were killed when Army fighter jets bombed suspected militant positions in the Kotkhel area of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

Three militants were killed and some of their hideouts destroyed when fighter jets bombed their positions in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency. Sources said air sorties were conducted at the Ghaibi Neeka area of Sipah and the Nakai area of Malikdinkhel which targeted hideouts of the TTP and LI. Two LI cadres and one TTP cadre were killed in the bombing.

Four militants were killed and five others sustained injuries when militants across the border attacked Bhittai checkpost in Shabak area of Alizai sector in Kurram Agency. Two soldiers were also injured in the attack.

The Governor Shaukatullah Khan said the Government had not contacted militants for holding peaceful elections in FATA. Speaking at a grand jirga (tribal council) during a visit to the Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency, he said the Government would utilize all resources to conduct free and fair elections in the tribal region. "There have been no talks with the TTP for elections in the tribal areas," Shaukatullah said. However, he said the Government would welcome any steps taken by tribal jirga for restoration of peace in the FATA.

At least 14 militants, four soldiers and three pro-government volunteers were killed in clashes ensued after the Security Forces launched search operation against the LI in Akkakhel area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Similarly, backed by the TI, a group of pro-government local militia, the SFs moved from Sheenkamer and Sorghar area, populated by Zakhakhel Afridi tribe, into Akkakhel area where they exchanged heavy fire with the fighters of LI.

The Mullah Nazir faction of TTP assured aspiring candidates that the insurgents would not interfere with the election process in the South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The assurance was made by Mullah Nazir Group 'chief' Salahuddin Ayubi, locally known as Bahawal Khan, in a meeting with over 50 candidates contesting NA-41 (Tribal Area-VI, South Waziristan) or their representatives in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan Agency.

Though he assured the candidates that his group would not interfere in the voting process, he attached some stringent conditions for trouble-free balloting in the constituency. Firstly, the candidates will have to stage public rallies in an open place outside Rustam Bazaar, the main market in the area, due to security concerns. Secondly, candidates with no popular vote bank should better not contest the elections. Thirdly, the candidates have to avoid indecent criticism of their rivals in their speeches. Fourthly, the candidates of three parties - PPP, MQM and ANP - were told about the security threats they might face in the region.

Ten militants were killed and five soldiers injured during the clashes between SFs and LI militant in remote areas of Akkakhel in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Seven militants were killed when SFs targeted their hideouts with gunship helicopters in Gowak and Mithari areas of Orakzai Agency.

Two tribesmen were killed when their motorcycle struck against a landmine planted along a road in Mir Ali subdivision of North Waziristan Agency.

The business centres remained closed and traffic was off the roads owing to imposition of curfew in North Waziristan Agency. The local people said that the curfew was imposed after an attack on Esha checkpost.

Elsewhere, the SFs repulsed an attack by militants at Nargas checkpost in the outskirts of Bara town. Officials said that militants used rocket launchers, but no one was hurt in the attack.

Thirteen soldiers and an unspecified number of militants were killed during heavy fighting between troops and militants at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The clashes signalled a fresh military push in the Tirah valley, where the military has been targeting TTP and LI.

Security sources said that at least 30 soldiers and nearly 100 militants have been killed in fierce fighting over the past four days following a ground offensive launched by the Army. The officials claimed that the Army has successfully seized control of a large portion of the valley from the TTP and their ally, LI. The claims could not be independently verified.

Security Forces claimed to have killed eight militants and five others were injured in shelling through gunship helicopters in Gorak area of Orakzai Agency.

The military authorities said that they had launched a major military operation against the militants in the remote Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency in FATA in which 110 militants and 23 soldiers had been killed.

A ten-year-old boy was critically injured when he picked up a toy bomb in Alamgudar area of Bara tehsil.

House of a local resident in Shalobar area was badly damaged when a stray mortar fell on the house. Sources said the mortar fired by unidentified men landed at the house of Haji Mohammad Salim, general secretary of Khyber Union, a local political organisation.

Mangal Bagh, the 'chief' of LI has become supreme leader of both the LI and TTP for the Khyber Agency. "The decision to elevate Mangal Bagh to the status of supreme commander for Khyber Agency was taken at a joint Shura (council) of TTP and LI 'commanders'," highly placed Government officials said.

Nine militants were killed and two security personnel injured in a gunbattle in Kago Qamar village of Dabori area in Orakzai Agency in FATA. Sources said a group of militants launched a two-pronged attack on a security post in Kago Qamar village.

19 persons, including nine soldiers, seven militants and two volunteers of TI, a pro-Government armed group, were killed during heavy fighting between troops and militants at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Sources said that SFs and volunteers of TI, moved forward into Sipah area and took control of LI strongholds of Sandana and Sheikhmal Khel after heavy fighting which left nine soldiers and seven militants dead. Twelve militants were injured.

A person, identified as Haris Khan was killed in a landmine blast in Manatu area of central Kurram Agency.

The house of a local candidate of the ANP, Munaf Afridi, was attacked in a remote area of Khyber Agency that borders Afghanistan, in FATA. However, there was no casualty reported.

SFs have killed seven militants in the ongoing military operation in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in the FATA. Two important hideouts of militants have been busted and areas of Kata Kanrai and Sniper Morcha in Sipah area have also been captured.

Four militants were killed by a US drone strike in the Manzarkhel area of Dattakhel town, 35 kilometers west of Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The driver of a NATO container was killed and his assistant received injuries in an attack near Teddi Bazaar in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Nine militants and a soldier were killed in a clash between the SFs and militants in Dabori area of Orakzai Agency in the FATA.

A member of the TI, also known as Zakhakhel tribal Lashkar (militia), was killed in a bomb explosion inside a bunker in Dari area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency.

A mortar shell fired from unknown location fell on a cloth making factory in Alamgudar area of the Bara tehsil.

Eleven militants and a soldier were killed in clashes at Kago Kamar locality of Dabori area in Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Nine soldiers were killed and eight others injured in a suicide attack on a military vehicle and nearby roadside checkpoint in the Saidgai area of North Waziristan Agency.

Six militants were killed and five others received injuries during a clash with SFs when dozens of militants attacked the Shan Khel Kore checkpost near Mohammad Ali Chowk in Akkakhel of Khyber Agency.

A minor girl was injured when a mortar shell fell on a house in Sanzal Khel area of Akkakhel.

Thousands of persons fled the Akkakhel area and shifted to different localities of Peshawar after receiving threats from banned militant group LI of Khyber Agency.

Nine militants, including five foreigners, were killed in a US drone attack in Bobar Samal area of South Waziristan Agency of FATA.

One person was killed and 20 others were injured when the Pakistani army and Afghan Taliban militants exchanged fire near the Afghanistan border in Miranshah District.

Four persons were killed when gunship helicopters pounded residential areas and suspected militant positions in Mir Ali sub-division of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The sources said that four people were killed in the shelling and eight others injured.

Five militants were killed in retaliatory action by Security Forces (SFs) when militants try to ambush security personnel in the Dabori area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Three security personnel were injured in the attack.

Four persons were killed and eight others injured in a rocket attack on an election rally in Wana town of South Waziristan Agency. Unidentified militants fired four rockets at a rally for independent National Assembly (NA) candidate Malik Naseerullah Khan, who is running to represent NA-41, South Waziristan. Naseerullah narrowly escaped without any injury. The TTP threatened anybody who holds or attends election rallies in and around Wana Bazaar, and two days ago the militants "fined" Naseerullah for defying them.

A female suicide bomber blew herself up outside a hospital in a lawless tribal area of northwest Pakistan and killed at least four people and wounded four others, officials said. The attack took place in Khar, the main town of Bajaur in FATA bordering Afghanistan.

A roadside bomb targeting a military convoy killed four Army soldiers and injured four more in Mir Ali town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The TTP execute an Afghan in the Kari Kot village, about 10 kilometers south west of Rustam Bazaar, in Wana town of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. Mai-u-din, belonging to the Zedran tribe of Afghanistan, was brought handcuffed into an open place near the small bazaar of Kari Kot. The militants then shot him dead in front of the public. Mai-u-Din was 'arrested' by the local TTP about a week back.

Abu Ubaidah Abdullah Al Adam, the 'intelligence and internal security chief' of the terrorist group, has was on April 17 in a drone attack in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Even though al Qaeda has not yet issued an official 'martyrdom' statement about the death of Abu Ubaidah Al Adam, there are credible reports in the Western media to suggest that he was killed in an April 17 US drone attack. Two of his close aides - Al Wathiq Billah and Sanafi Al Nasr - have tweeted that Abu Ubaida has been killed in an American drone strike in Pakistan.

A Palestinian national, who was in fact raised in Saudi Arabia, Al Adam had replaced Mohammad Khalil Hasan Al Hakaymah alias Abu Jehad Al Misri, the former 'intelligence chief' of the terrorist group, who was killed in a US drone strike on November 1, 2008, in NWA.

A tribesman died and three others were injured when a roadside landmine exploded near the Sports Complex in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram Agency, in FATA. According to the political administration, the blast took place when a tractor-trolley hit a landmine.

The dead bodies of three missing SF personnel were found in Adamkot area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Suspected militants had abducted the three troopers from a checkpost in Wacha Bibi area of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan in the night of April 26 and shifted them to an undisclosed location.

A driver was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a NATO container in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency. Security officials said that the assailants opened fire on the container coming from Afghanistan, killing the driver.

At least eight militants were killed as jet fighters pounded their hideouts in Dabori area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Police said the bombing resulted in the destruction of four militant hideouts and the killing of eight militants.

Two security officials were injured as a result of cross-border firing from Afghanistan at a security checkpost in Mohmand Agency.

A candidate of the Qaumi Watan Party, Akbar Khan, who is running for a National Assembly seat (NA 40, North Waziristan Agency), was abducted from an area near Mir Ali of North Waziristan Agency.

Four militants and one security official were killed during a clash when militants tried to ambush a security checkpost in Ladha area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engineer Shaukatullah approved the long-awaited compensation policy for the terrorism-affected people of FATA. Apart from the introduction of financial assistance criteria for the heirs of martyrs, the policy has also determined the compensation amount to help those whose vehicles, houses, shops, plaza, petrol pumps and CNG stations have been destroyed and animals killed. The Police have clearly defined the process for submission of claims and disbursement of the compensation. It merits a mention here that the policy is the first document of its nature in respect of FATA and to materialise it speedily, special efforts are already underway.

According to the details, all Government employees in FATA will get equal treatment and incentives which are already being granted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to compensate the real heirs of those who embrace martyrdom, a communiqué said. Apart from this, in FATA Rs 6,000 will be paid for each sheep and goat killed in both natural calamities and terrorism-related incidents, while Rs 20,000 will be provided for each cow, buffalo, horse, donkey and camel lost.

At least eight militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed in Security Forces' action against militants in Upper tehsil, including Qismat Sanga and Sheen Qamar, of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

A local tribal leader Haider Khan was shot dead after unidentified militants barged into his house in the Sanober area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

A landmine blast was reported in Baizrot area of Orakzai Agency, but no loss of life was reported.

The SFs destroyed two militant hideouts and killed 16 militants after heavy overnight fighting at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in the Tirah Valley in the Khyber Agency of FATA in which two soldiers also died. The fighting took place in the wake of a fresh military push in the Tirah Valley where the military has been targeting TTP and LI militants.

Two SFs personnel were killed and three others, among them a captain, injured when their convoy was hit by a bomb blast on the Razmak-Esha road at Kam Sarobi area near Razmak town of NWA.

The main entrance to the house and adjacent hujra of PTI for NA-40 NWA were damaged in a blast caused by an IED in Mir Ali. Family members of the PTI candidate Engineer Abdul Qayyum Khan said that unidentified persons had planed an IED near the main entrance to his house and hujra at Haiderkhel village in Mir Ali subdivision.

Twenty-three persons were killed and more than 70 others injured in a blast at the election rally of JUI-F candidates at a Madrassa in Sewak village in Kurram Agency of FATA. Along with the local tribesmen, two bodyguards of the JUI-F candidate from NA-38, Munir Orakzai, and six of his close relatives were also injured in the blast.

TTP claimed responsibility for the attack on the JUI-F rally and said Munir Orakzai was the target. It added that the JUI-F party activists weren't a target. TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan said they had been trying for long to locate and kill Munir Orakzai as he had remained an active member of the coalition Government of the PPP, MQM and ANP. TTP 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud had mentioned Munir Orakzai's name in a videotape released in the past by his organisation

Afghan forces attacked a border checkpost in Mohmand Agency, injuring four Pakistani soldiers. Security sources said the Gursal checkpost was attacked at around 9am with rockets, mortars and other heavy weapons. Pakistani forces retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted over two hours. This was a second attack from across the border in a week. Two Pakistani troops were injured when Afghan forces attacked the Gursal and two other checkposts four days ago.

At least nine militants were killed and their three hideouts destroyed in an operation by SFs in Mamozai and surrounding areas of Orakzai Agency in FATA. According to details, SFs engaged the suspected militants in Mamozai and surrounding areas with heavy artillery fire. In SFs' bombing three hideouts were destroyed resulting in the death of nine militants injury to several others. Sources said that death toll may rise further as many militants were reported buried under the rubble of destroyed hideouts.

A security official was killed and another injured in a landmine explosion in Shahidano Dhand area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency. Local officials said the two security personnel were on routine patrol in the area when a landmine planted by militants on a village track exploded, killing one of them and injuring the other.

SFs freed 13 persons in Kalaya of Orakzai Agency who were abducted by militants from Peshawar January 31, 2012. The hostages included three WAPDA workers, nine labourers and a Policeman. Sohail Ahmed, one of the freed WAPDA workers, said he and his co-workers were working at a 132kV grid station in the Gula Khan Bagh area of Badhaber when about 30 armed militants abducted them and took them to the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. The militants tortured them and forced them to work as slave labour, he added.

An internally displaced person was killed and six others were injured when a bomb planted at the office of NA-41's candidate exploded in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency. An official of the political administration in Mir Ali said that around 3:00pm a huge explosion occurred in Mir Ali Bazaar.

A boy was killed and four others injured when an explosive device went off inside a playground in Rashkai area of Bajaur Agency. Local residents and officials said the blast occurred during the final of a cricket tournament.

Nine militants and three soldiers were killed in a gunfight in Parachamkani area of Kurram Agency in FATA. According to official sources, militants launched an attack on SFs in Mohammad Top area early in the morning, killing three soldiers and injuring four others. The assault was followed by a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides in which nine militants were killed and eight wounded, the sources added. Locals said militants had also abducted four persons.

"More than 1,000 families have left their houses due to disturbance in Parachamkani," said a source at the office of the assistant political agent of central Kurram. The official said 500 families comprising 20,000 individuals had been informally registered with the administration and a large number of displaced people had gone to live with their relatives.

Four persons were killed and 21 others injured in a bomb blast occurred at the Khwaja Jan Chowk in Miranshah bazaar of North Waziristan Agency near the election offices of candidates for the NA-40 seat. Sources said the explosive device placed on a motorcycle parked near the offices was detonated by remote control at about 10am. The election offices belong to the candidates of PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam. Another, blast took place in Gora Qabristan on the Miranshah-Bannu road.

Five persons sustained injuries in a blast in Uthmankhel bazaar in the Orakzai Agency. The sources said unidentified persons had placed explosives in the grocery store of Zar Maluk in Uthmankhel bazaar, which went off at 5pm.

The SFs recovered two roadside bombs in Ferozkhel area.

The LI asked the people to stay away from the polling stations and threatened to impose fine amounting to PKR 50,000 on those who take part in the polling. In a leaflet circulated in Akkakhel area of Bara tehsil, the LI also threatened "to chop off the thumb" of those who cast their ballots. Tribal sources said the leaflets had been pasted on the walls of shops, mosques and houses in Sanzalkhel, Madakhel and Merikhel areas in Akkakhel.

At least 16 persons were killed in a blast that ripped through a passenger bus in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The nature of the blast could not be ascertained immediately.