Authorities Takes Decision of Launching Operation Against Terrorists in Bajaur, Khyber

Authorities have decided to launch an operation against terrorists in the Bajaur and Khyber districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to government sources, the decision followed the failure of talks between militants and the Bajaur Amn Jirga. During the discussions, tribal elders had presented three demands, including the expulsion of militants from the tribal region.

Official sources reported that around 300 terrorists are present in two areas of Tehsil Mamund in Bajaur, while more than 350 are based in Khyber district.

Sources also noted that Tehsil Mamund has a population exceeding 300,000, and over 40,000 people have recently left Bajaur. Over 80% of the militants in both Bajaur and Khyber are Afghans, the sources added.

Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir said that more than 100 government buildings in the Khar area of Bajaur have been prepared to accommodate displaced people. He added that a tent camp would also be established at the Sports Complex in Khar, with all necessary facilities provided.

According to the district administration, a curfew is in place from 11am to 11pm on all main roads leading to the district headquarters, Khar.

In Mamund tehsil, a three-day curfew has been enforced in approximately 27 localities from 11am on August 11 until 11am on August 14. Residents were instructed to conclude all activities by 10:30am and stay indoors during the curfew. Authorities warned that any violations during this period would be the responsibility of the individuals involved. Significant movement of people out of Mamund tehsil has been observed over the past few days, according to the district administration.

Security forces had offered two options to tribal jirgas in Bajaur regarding negotiations with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as khawarij: either the militants leave the area, or local tribes evacuate to enable a military operation. However, the government ruled out any negotiations unless the militants fully surrender, accusing them of using talks to prepare for conflict while hiding among civilians.

This move comes amid a surge in terrorist activity across Pakistan since 2021, especially in KP and Balochistan. In June alone, 78 terror attacks resulted in 100 deaths and 189 injuries, with 175 people killed in total, including security personnel, militants, civilians, and peace committee members.

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