Targeted Operations Underway in Bajaur and Khyber Districts, Says KP Police Chief

PESHAWAR: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, clarified on Tuesday that actions against terrorists in Bajaur and Khyber districts are focused and precise, not extensive operations.

His statement follows decisions by authorities to initiate actions against militants in Bajaur and Khyber after negotiations faltered between militants and the Bajaur Aman Jirga.

Details of the Operations

The KP police head stated that collaborative, intelligence-driven actions are ongoing in Bajaur, emphasizing the need to maintain district security. Police deployments have been made in areas like Khar, and security personnel are stationed at established camps.

The IGP mentioned that the police, along with the administration, have provided arrangements for voluntary evacuees, including medical assistance and provisions.

While declining to specify the number of militants in Bajaur, Hameed confirmed that no significant operation is taking place in the Khyber district.

Militant Presence

Sources indicate the presence of approximately 300 militants in two areas of Tehsil Mamund, Bajaur, and over 350 in the Khyber district. Reportedly, over 80% of these militants are Afghan nationals.

Curfew Imposed

In Mamond tehsil, a curfew was in effect in around 27 localities for three days, beginning August 11. Residents were advised to complete their activities by 10:30 am daily and stay indoors during the curfew.

Authorities warned that individuals violating these restrictions would be held responsible for any resulting incidents.

Displaced Persons

Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir reported that 6,607 temporarily displaced individuals are currently housed in 85 educational institutions, both public and private. There are 991 affected families, comprising 1,497 men, 1,552 women, and 3,558 children. The sports stadium camp accommodates 334 families, totaling 2,497 people.

The commissioner added that registration is in progress for approximately 20,000 families in host communities, noting continuous changes in figures as the situation evolves.

Earlier Reports on Negotiations

Reports indicated that security forces presented tribal jirgas in Bajaur with options for negotiating with the TTP. These options included demanding that terrorists leave Bajaur, or the evacuation of tribes to allow operations to proceed.

Sources rejected government-level talks with terrorists and facilitators in Bajaur, insisting on complete submission to the state before any negotiations. They suggested that militants were using negotiations as a guise to prepare for conflict and were engaging in terrorist and criminal acts while living among civilians.