Tribal leaders near the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan have commenced talks with the view to joining forces against the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS), local newspaper, Dwan, reported today.
The tribe, Pastún Turi, in Pakistan maintains links with the neighbouring tribe of Zazi in Afghanistan.
The tribes have so far conducted four meetings to coordinate their actions.
Pastún Turi is located in Kurran, a semiautonomous, tribal region which has been integrated into the Pakistani federal administration.
The army considers Kurran to be a strategic area because it has borders with three Afghan provinces: Khost, Paktia and Nangarhar.
Reports have indicated the presence of extremist militias on the border.
There are several armed groups on the border that might attack villages in Kurran, but we cannot confirm if they have IS members, a security official stated.
The agreements ensure that the Turi and the Zazi will not to harm the interests of the other tribe, but rather allow the use of its territory to prevent subversive groups, indicated an elder who is taking part in the dialogue.
Before the reports on militia sightings, the tribes in the region created armed volunteer committees.
In the last months IS has gained strength in Afghanistan, where it continues violent clashes with the army and the Taliban.
