At least 14 Khwaraj and 10 civilians were killed when a powerful blast ripped through an IED-manufacturing factory setup by Khwaraj in Akakhel area of Khyber tribal district, police said on Monday.
The powerful explosion occurred at Khwaraj IED-factory setup by Khawaraj Amaan Gul and Masood Tashkeel in the heart of civilian area at Akakhel that also destroyed around five nearby houses, resulting in death of 14 Khwaraj and 10 civilians, who were being used as human shield.
Credible sources and local eyewitnesses confirmed that the terrorists had set up an IED-manufacturing factory in thickly populated area Akakhel. There was an initial large explosion inside this factory, which engulfed surrounding houses as well causing 14 Khawaraj killed and also causing collateral damage resulting in death of 10 civilians from nearby families.
The police said the so-called civilian bombing narrative was a desperate smear campaign, designed to protect terrorists and undermine Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism. Similarly, the propaganda about alleged Pakistani air strikes in Upper Tirah’s Aka Khel area is nothing but a fabricated narrative designed to malign Pakistan’s armed forces.
The reality is clear that Pakistan’s operations are solely targeted against the menace of Khawarij terrorists, who continue to destabilize it through bloodshed and deceit.
Local tribesmen added that once again Khawarij resorted to their well-known cowardly tactics by using innocent civilians, their houses and mosques as human shields.
Police said the truth remains unshaken that Pakistan’s relentless fight is against the Khawarij’s menace and will not be deterred by malicious propaganda besides remain steadfast to eliminate this menace and protect the local population from Khawrjis evil designs.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday condemned the deaths of civilians during “operations against terrorists” in the province’s Tirah area.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat said CM Ali Amin Gandapur met a delegation from the district following the incident with PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi, the KP chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), Peshawar commissioner and other officials also present in the meeting that reviewed the law and order situation in the “context of the unfortunate incident” that occurred in Tirah.
“Martyrdom of civilians in the incident is regrettable and condemnable. Martyrdom of civilians as a result of operations against terrorists is unacceptable,” the statement quoted CM Gandapur as saying.
It added that regret was expressed over the unfortunate incident in the meeting, and prayers were offered for the deceased as well.
The statement said the chief minister announced compensation of Rs10 million each for the families of the victims. The session also held a detailed consideration of an action plan to prevent such incidents in the future.
“In this regard, it was decided to hold a meeting of the jirga consisting of elected public representatives of the area, leaders of all political parties, and local elders with top military officials.
“The future course of action for peace and order in the area will be decided in the meeting of the jirga with military officials,” the statement said, adding that an agreement was reached to adopt a strategy in Tirah to establish peace and order on the model of Bajaur.
During the meeting, special emphasis was laid on the need to gain the trust of locals and residents for peace in the area, the statement said.
However, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said it was “deeply shocked” to hear about reports of the killing of several civilians caused by alleged “aerial bombing” in the Tirah and demanded a probe into the matter.
The “HRCP is deeply shocked to learn that a number of civilians, including children, have been killed, allegedly as a result of aerial bombing in Tirah, Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the organisation posted on X.
It demanded that “the authorities carry out an immediate and impartial inquiry into the incident and hold to account those responsible”.
“The state is constitutionally bound to protect all civilians’ right to life, which it has repeatedly failed to secure,” the HRCP statement read.
So far, no official statement sharing the details of the reported incident has been issued by the relevant authorities. Khyber Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid and District Police Officer Mazhar Iqbal, has not offered any response so far.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer in the area told AFP on condition of anonymity that “the jets targeted four houses, which were completely destroyed”. He, however, did not say who carried out the attack.
KP Assembly Speaker Babar Swati called on the federal and provincial governments to conduct a “transparent and immediate investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and not only provide immediate relief and compensation to the affected families but also take comprehensive measures for their rehabilitation”.
A statement uploaded on his X account said he expressed his sorrow over the “martyrdom of innocent civilians and the destruction of homes due to the bombardment by jet aircraft”.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Communication and Works Sohail Afridi also raised his voice on the matter during today’s KP Assembly session. He said the “horrifying tragedy” occurred at 2am in Tirah.