Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
KABUL — Pakistani security forces have launched a large-scale crackdown against militant hideouts in Bajaur district, a restive area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, displacing nearly 100,000 people, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The operation, backed by helicopter gunships and ground troops, targets insurgent strongholds in the mountainous terrain, aiming to dismantle armed networks responsible for escalating violence across the region. Government officials described the offensive as a “targeted operation” focused on militants to minimize civilian casualties.
The sudden escalation has forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas, as local authorities scramble to provide aid and shelter. Camps have been established in Khar, the district’s main town, where displaced families are receiving humanitarian assistance.
“This is one of the largest security crackdowns in recent years,” said a senior official. “Our goal is to prevent militants from expanding their influence and threatening civilian populations.”
Bajaur has a history of militant activity, including a major military operation in 2009 that displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The current offensive reflects Pakistan’s intensified efforts to quell insurgency amid ongoing security challenges in the northwestern border regions.
Authorities emphasize the operation’s precision to avoid large-scale destruction, but the humanitarian impact is mounting as displaced populations seek urgent support.
