10 Civilians Killed in Pakistan Anti-Militant Operation

The civilian casualties occurred early Saturday in a remote hilltop area of Katlang, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The government’s admission came Saturday evening, making it clear that the operation had unintended consequences.

It is rare for Pakistan to disclose civilian deaths from anti-militant activities, and details about the operation remained unclear. Muhammad Ali Saif, a provincial government spokesperson, explained that the area was believed to be used as a hideout and transit point for terrorists. However, reports indicated that unarmed civilians were also in the vicinity.

Locals reported finding 10 bodies, including those of women and children, in the area. The victims, from the Swat region, were nomadic livestock herders traveling through the Shamozai mountains. Their families protested by placing the bodies on the Swat Highway.

Saif expressed regret over the civilian deaths, emphasizing that the safety of civilians is always a top priority during such operations. However, he noted that the complex geography, the use of civilian cover by militants, and the urgency of the operation sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

The provincial government assured that immediate medical assistance was being provided to the injured, and compensation would be given to the victims' families. The statement also confirmed that several high-value militant targets had been neutralized during the operation, acknowledging that the "fog of war" can lead to tragic outcomes.