PESHAWAR, Feb 12 (AFP): Militants killed nine men in a raid on a house of anti-Taliban activists in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, the latest violence to hit fledgling peace talks.
The attack came as Taliban and government negotiators try to start meaningful talks to end a seven-year Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.
A government negotiator told AFP Wednesday the Taliban had agreed to enter direct dialogue without intermediaries if their safety could be guaranteed.
Around two dozen fighters were involved Wednesday's attack in Mashukhel neighbourhood of Peshawar, close to the lawless Khyber tribal district, where Taliban and Islamist groups are active.
Taliban and other militant groups have been targeting locals who support the security forces or have formed vigilante groups against them.
"At least nine men were shot dead by militants who stormed into a house around 4:30 am firing with automatic weapons and exploding hand grenades," senior police official Fazal-e-Wahid told AFP.
Gunmen kill 9 anti-Taliban volunteers in NW Pakistan
FE Team | Published: February 13, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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