Mardan Katlang drone attack
The recent counterterrorism operation in the Katlang region of Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sparked popular outrage and prompted serious concerns about military methods, civilian safety, and government accountability. The provincial administration has acknowledged and apologised for the unfortunate civilian losses caused by the operation, promising an inquiry into the events that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
Allegations of Drone Strike
Adding to the issue, Swat MPA Dr. Amjad Ali said that the operation was actually a "drone strike" that killed nine people. According to him, the victims were a Gujjar family out grazing cattle in the highlands when they were attacked. The victims' bodies were apparently so severely mutilated that identification was impossible.
Dr. Ali also chastised the government for denying access to the site and thwarting efforts to recover the dead. "These are peaceful people who have lived here for thousands of years," he said with sadness. His comment has fuelled worries about military openness and prompted new questions about the use of drone strikes on Pakistani soil.
Adding to the issue, Swat MPA Dr. Amjad Ali said that the operation was actually a "drone strike" that killed nine people. According to him, the victims were a Gujjar family out grazing cattle in the highlands when they were attacked. The victims' bodies were apparently so severely mutilated that identification was impossible.
Dr. Ali also chastised the government for denying access to the site and thwarting efforts to recover the dead. "These are peaceful people who have lived here for thousands of years," he said with sadness. His comment has fuelled worries about military openness and prompted new questions about the use of drone strikes on Pakistani soil.
Protests erupt in Swat
In reaction to the tragedy, members of the Gujjar community held rallies in Swat, seeking punishment for those involved. Demonstrators accused security forces of targeting shepherds who had moved to the Katlang region for the winter before returning to Upper Swat in the summer.
Grieving relatives laid the deceased's remains on the Swat Motorway, blocking both lanes in a dramatic appeal for accountability. The substantial police presence at the site emphasised the rising tensions. Protesters called for a formal inquiry and compensation under the government's "martyrs' package." Gujjar community leader Jalat Khan warned that if their demands were not granted, a greater rally will take place after Eidul Fitr.
In reaction to the tragedy, members of the Gujjar community held rallies in Swat, seeking punishment for those involved. Demonstrators accused security forces of targeting shepherds who had moved to the Katlang region for the winter before returning to Upper Swat in the summer.
Grieving relatives laid the deceased's remains on the Swat Motorway, blocking both lanes in a dramatic appeal for accountability. The substantial police presence at the site emphasised the rising tensions. Protesters called for a formal inquiry and compensation under the government's "martyrs' package." Gujjar community leader Jalat Khan warned that if their demands were not granted, a greater rally will take place after Eidul Fitr.
11 civilians were murdered in Pakistan when military drones attacked Taliban strongholds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration expressed regret for the civilian deaths brought on by a counterterrorism operation in the Katlang neighbourhood of the Mardan district and stated that it was looking into the matter.
Since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terminated its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, there has been an increase in terrorist activity in Pakistan, particularly in KP and Balochistan, throughout the last year.
The operation, which used a lonely mountaintop in the region as a hideaway and transit point, was conducted in the early hours of Saturday "based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants," the press statement said.
Sadly, further reports have verified that non-combatants, including women and children, are present outside the target zone.
Since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terminated its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, there has been an increase in terrorist activity in Pakistan, particularly in KP and Balochistan, throughout the last year.
The operation, which used a lonely mountaintop in the region as a hideaway and transit point, was conducted in the early hours of Saturday "based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants," the press statement said.
Sadly, further reports have verified that non-combatants, including women and children, are present outside the target zone.
Comments
Post a Comment