To add to the woes of the Taliban, they not only have to defend themselves against a major Pakistani offensive and U.S drone attacks, Taliban is also under heavy fire from the pro-government tribal militias in the northwest region of Pakistan, also known as FATA or Federally Administered Areas, a large barren areas with almost nil governance and law & order.

Today, fresh new clashes between the insurgents and the tribal militia left 16 people dead. The intense gun-battle between these two forces took place in the remote Mohmand region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The casualties of this latest battle were 12 tribals dad with 4 insurgents killed.

The tribal militias, also know as ‘lashkars’ have been duly encouraged and supported by the Pakistani government, who wish to flush out and destroy the Taliban strongholds with the help of the lashkars. The tribals have recently stepped up their campaign against the Taliban, since the Pakistani army warned them of a possible troop intervention, if they do not ask the Taliban leave the area or surrender. Today’s clashes came in the wake of a warning given to the Taliban from the tribal council to leave the region.

According to government sources,

“The fighting between tribesmen and Taliban began this morning, and so far 16 people, including 12 tribesmen and four Taliban, have died.”

However, inspite of today’s battle, Taliban is still running its victory propaganda and stated that, it had downed a Pakistani army helicopter. The transport helicopter crashed on Friday killing all 26 people on board. As per the military sources, the helicopter wen down to mechanical failure and was not shot down by the Taliban.

The tug of war between Taliban and Pakistani armed forces has been continuing for several weeks now, with each claiming victory over the other. Due to the nature of the terrain in the FATA and the current volatile situation, today’s, clashes between the Taliban and the local militia could be be independently verified. Although, regional administrative officers have confirmed the incidents.

Via AP.