Civilians Displaced Amid Pakistani Military Operations in Bajaur
Residents of Pakistan’s Bajaur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been forced to flee their homes as military operations and heavy bombardments by the Pakistani army escalate in the region, local sources told Tawazon on Wednesday.
According to residents, indiscriminate shelling and aerial operations have struck several civilian areas, particularly in the Mamund, Tarkho, Laghari, and Ghanam Shah areas. Dozens of families, fearing for their safety, have left their homes and sought shelter in safer locations.
“Helicopters have been hovering over the region since Tuesday, and the sound of heavy mortar shelling can be heard throughout the area,” said one local resident who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation.
Eyewitnesses say numerous homes have been damaged or destroyed in the bombardments, with dozens of casualties reported, including women and children. The full extent of the damage and displacement remains unclear as the area remains under lockdown.
A complete curfew has been imposed across Bajaur, and internet services have been suspended, cutting off residents from the outside world and making it difficult for humanitarian organizations and media to assess the situation on the ground.
The Pakistani military has stated that the operations are aimed at collecting illegal weapons and restoring security in the region. However, rights groups and local residents have raised concerns over the scale of the military action and its impact on civilians.
Bajaur, situated near the Afghan border, has long been a vulnerable and conflict-prone area. The district has seen repeated insurgent activity and military operations over the years, leaving its population exposed to violence, displacement, and economic hardship.
Analysts warn that the ongoing operations may exacerbate the already precarious humanitarian situation in the region and call for urgent measures to protect civilians and ensure access to essential services.
