Nine militants were killed, and six others were injured in the Tirah Valley of Khyber District following intense clashes with Pakistan Army. The battle, which lasted for several hours, also claimed the lives of eight security personnel and left seven others injured. Reportedly, the engagement took place at three separate points, as security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation targeting a high-value target.
Allegedly, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is believed to have ambushed Pak Special Forces (SSG) during the operation, leading to heavy casualties on both sides.
However, mortar shells fired during the clashes landed in civilian areas, causing damage to homes and injuring local residents. This incident comes amid heightened tensions as the Kokikhel Internally Displaced Pashtuns (IDPs), who were forcibly evicted from Tirah 13 years ago, have begun returning to their homes.
These ongoing clashes are part of a broader strategy by the Pak military to discourage the return of the displaced Pashtuns and maintain control over the region, which are a valuable strategic and fertile area. The military’s heavy-handed tactics shows that the Punjabi Pak Army is deliberately escalating tensions to prevent the resettlement of displaced Pashtun families, deepening their alienation. This incident is part of a broader form of exploitation and militarization of Pashtun lands, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.