At least three civilians, including two children, were martyred and three others seriously injured after shelling by the Afghan Taliban targeted a residential area along the border in Bajaur, according to security sources.
The incident occurred in Malik Shaheen village of the Katkot border area, where, officials said, the shelling hit a house, killing a woman and two children from the same family. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Security sources described the attack as “unprovoked aggression,” alleging that the Afghan Taliban had recently been attempting to infiltrate militants, referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” into Pakistan. The sources claimed that a timely response by the Pakistan Army had foiled the infiltration attempt.
Following the failed attempt, the Afghan Taliban targeted the civilian population in Bajaur, the sources added.
In response, the Pakistan Army carried out retaliatory action, destroying the gun positions from where the shelling was initiated.
Security officials stated that military operations are ongoing, targeting Afghan Taliban posts adjacent to Bajaur, with reports of heavy casualties.
Residents of Bajaur have strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the security forces.
According to officials, security forces remain vigilant and committed to protecting lives and property, while working to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Security sources termed the targeting of civilians as evidence of “nefarious intentions and desperation.”
