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PESHAWAR, Nov 6,2013 (Sumeera Riaz / UPI Next) —- With potential Pakistani peace talks with the Taliban at risk after a U.S. drone strike killed Taliban commander Hakimullah Mehsud Nov. 1, tribesmen once armed and funded by the government against the Taliban say they feel more threatened by the expected backlash.
These tribesmen are vulnerable to the Taliban as they are no longer supported by the government. Residents of tribal areas devastated by terrorist attacks — with public schools a particular target — say the government is apathetic toward them, although a spokesman says the provincial government is reluctant to arm locals.
Taliban attacks have destroyed much of Adizai village in the Matni area, a 45-minute drive south of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Children who once carried schoolbags now carry guns for protection against terrorists.
Read more Pakistani tribesmen say they feel vulnerable to Taliban – UPI.com.
