Airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kill 30 Civilians, Raise Human Rights Concerns

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, Pakistan – At least 30 people, including women and children, were killed early Monday when Pakistani fighter jets carried out airstrikes on a village in the Tirah Valley, local media and eyewitness reports indicated.

The bombing began around 2 a.m., when eight LS-6 precision glide bombs were dropped on Matre Dara village, flattening homes and causing widespread devastation. Witnesses reported bodies scattered across the streets, with many residents unable to escape as they were asleep during the attack.

“By morning, the village was littered with bodies,” one eyewitness stated. Rescue teams rushed to the site but faced overwhelming destruction. Officials warned that the number of fatalities could rise as many injured victims remain in critical condition.

Local sources reported that the strikes were aimed at suspected hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but officials confirmed that all casualties were civilians. Disturbing images shared on social media documented the aftermath, highlighting the plight of children being treated for injuries.

This incident emerged amid intensified military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that shares a border with Afghanistan and has recently seen a surge in militant activity. On Sunday, Pakistan’s military reported the death of seven TTP militants during an operation in the Dera Ismail Khan district, underscoring ongoing tensions in the area.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the escalating violence last week, urging Afghanistan to choose between siding with terrorists or cooperating with Pakistan. However, critics and human rights organizations have voiced concerns over the toll on civilians in military operations.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep shock over the civilian casualties and demanded an immediate investigation into the incident. They emphasized the state’s duty to protect civilians, which they believe has been repeatedly violated.

“We demand an inquiry into these incidents and accountability for those responsible,” said a HRCP spokesperson.

Activists have criticized the Pakistani military for its tactics, claiming that such airstrikes often lead to civilian casualties and raise international humanitarian law concerns. Survivors in Matre Dara have expressed outrage, stating that their village had no militant presence and was unjustly targeted.

As relief efforts continue, with teams sifting through rubble for survivors, the incident raises significant concerns about the impact of military strategy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the potential for further instability in the region.