Peshawar: A senior commander of the banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, identified as Sheikh Yousuf Afridi, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan’s northwestern region, officials said.

According to local reports, Afridi was targeted by unidentified assailants who opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene. The attack took place in a volatile area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has witnessed a surge in militant activity and targeted killings in recent months.

Security officials confirmed the killing but have not yet identified the attackers or established a clear motive. Initial assessments suggest the possibility of internal rivalries among militant factions or retaliatory strikes by opposing groups.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, long accused of operating from Pakistani soil, has faced international scrutiny for its role in cross-border terrorism. The killing of a senior commander is likely to intensify speculation about factionalism and instability within militant networks in the region.

Authorities have launched an investigation and increased security in the area to prevent further violence. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Pakistan’s northwest, where militant groups, splinter factions, and security forces continue to be locked in a cycle of violence.

Disclaimer : This image is taken from Zee News.