Last Updated:
Pakistan carried out airstrikes and counter-terror operations targeting hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and adjacent districts
Locals start to gather in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa after Pakistan’s airstrikes. (News18)
A sit-in protest is being held at Khyber Chowk against the killing of innocent people in Tirah Valley on Monday, while another could be announced in Peshawar. The Akakhel tribe of Tirah has decided that women victims will be buried, while bodies of men and children will be placed in front of the Corps Commander House.
Pakistan carried out airstrikes and counter-terror operations targeting hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and adjacent districts. The strike occurred around 2 am when Pakistani fighter jets dropped eight LS-6 bombs on Matre Dara village in the Tirah Valley, killing civilians. It is part of Islamabad’s intensified crackdown in response to a surge in militant attacks claimed by the TTP, especially in northwest Pakistan.
Recommended Stories
In one recent operation, Pakistan reported that 31 militants were killed in overnight raids in the Bannu and Laki Marwat districts of KP. These raids are consistent with the security forces’ strategy to target militant infrastructure and leadership to curb the TTP’s capacity to carry out attacks.
Pakistani politician Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman recently alleged that authorities are involved in the enforced disappearance and abduction of people in Balochistan, where thousands of youth and activists have gone missing over the years.
There have also been controversial drone strikes and air/detection operations in the region. For example, a drone strike in March 2025 in Katlang (Mardan District, KP) claimed by the military to have hit militants was reported by locals to have led to civilian casualties, raising concerns about collateral damage. Similarly, in May 2025, a drone strike in Hurmuz village, North Waziristan (KP) reportedly killed four children and injured others.
The trouble in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located in northwestern Pakistan, borders Afghanistan and is home to a Pashtun-majority population.
The province covers 1,01,741 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 4 crore people. About 75–80% of the population are Pashtuns, while smaller ethnic groups and linguistic communities such as Hindko, Chitrali, and Kohistani also reside there. Pashto is the dominant language, although Hindi and Urdu is also spoken by some communities.
Despite its distinct cultural identity, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was ultimately incorporated into Pakistan through a process that many argue lacked legitimacy and fairness. The historical resentment over the merger fuelled political instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for decades. Today, several separatist and militant movements continue to challenge the Pakistani government’s control over the region.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
September 22, 2025, 13:29 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
