Op Against Militants in Bajaur Forces 40,000 Residents to Flee

News Desk

Bajaur: Security forces have launched a major operation targeting nearly 800 militants in Bajaur district, forcing over 40,000 residents to leave their homes.

The district, with a population of around 300,000, has seen an escalation in tensions after a peace jirga between local elders and the militants collapsed.

Officials said the jirga failed after elders demanded that the militants vacate the area and meet two other key conditions.

According to authorities, around 300 militants are currently based in two areas of Mamond tehsil, while over 350 are active in Khyber district. More than 80 percent of them are believed to be Afghan nationals.

Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Wazir said arrangements for displaced families have been finalised. A total of 107 government buildings in Khar are being used as temporary shelters, while a tent village is being established at the Khar Sports Complex.