ISLAMABAD:
India-backed Fitna Al Khwarij behind attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, referring to the strike that killed four children and triggered a protest by local tribesmen on May 19.
The ISPR dispelled claims of involvement of the security forces in the attack as “entirely baseless” and part of a “coordinated disinformation campaign” aimed at discrediting counterterrorism efforts in the region.
An investigation launched into the incident found that the killings were orchestrated by Fitna Al Khwarij, a group Islamabad accuses of being funded and directed by Indian intelligence agencies.
Read: Officials begin probe as sit-in against Waziristan strike continues
“These elements—acting at the behest of their Indian masters—continue to exploit civilian areas and vulnerable populations as shields to conduct acts of terrorism,” the statement said.
The military said such tactics are meant to create rifts between the local population and security forces. Despite the attack, officials said the armed forces remain committed to their mission. “Efforts are ongoing to ensure those responsible for this inhuman act are brought to justice,” the statement added.
According to local sources, five people, including a woman, were also injured in the incident which was allegedly caused by ammunition drop by a quad-copter on a house in the Hormus village of Mir Ali. The ages of the deceased children ranged from eight years to just two months.
Locals rushed the injured to the Mir Ali tehsil hospital, where some of the injured are also said to be in critical condition. The incident has triggered a wave of anger and grief, with residents staging a sit-in protest at Mir Ali Chowk since Sunday.
