12 militants killed in clashes between rival Taliban factions

At least 12 militants were killed on Tuesday in a gun—battle between two rival factions of the Taliban in the restive tribal area of northwestern Pakistan.

The bloody clashes occurred in Shaktoi area of South Waziristan agency when rival groups came face to face and opened indiscriminate firing at each other.

Those killed in the gun—battle belong to the Hakeemullah Mehsud group of the Tehrik—e—Taliban Pakistan.

The clashes between the rival faction in the agency have been continuing for the last couple of weeks.

Five militants were killed in the same area yesterday when the tribesmen associated with Hakeemullah Mehsud group were killed when their car was ambushed in Shaktoi area.