30 civilians killed as Pakistan Air Force bombs Taliban hideouts
**30 Civilians Killed as Pakistan Air Force Bombs Taliban Hideouts**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025, 01:47 PM*
At least 30 civilians were killed in an airstrike carried out by the Pakistan Air Force in the Matre Dara village of Tirah Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Monday, according to multiple reports. The attack took place around 2:00 AM when JF-17 fighter jets dropped eight LS-6 bombs. The blasts destroyed a significant part of the Pashtun-majority village and left many injured. However, the condition of those injured remains unknown.
**Targeted Operation Against TTP Hideouts**
Local media sources suggest that the airstrike targeted hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the region. This operation is part of a series of military efforts aimed at combating terrorist groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province bordering Afghanistan.
Just a day earlier, intelligence-based operations in the Dera Ismail Khan district resulted in the deaths of seven TTP terrorists, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
**Rising Security Concerns**
Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in provinces adjacent to Afghanistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently stressed that Afghanistan must decide between supporting terrorists or standing with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to be a hotspot for counter-terrorism operations, many of which have unfortunately led to civilian casualties.
**Human Rights Concerns**
In June, Amnesty International criticized the Pakistan government for failing to protect civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, said, “Pakistani authorities have failed to protect civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who continue to pay the price of escalating drone strikes.” She also pointed out a “disturbing rise” in attacks since March.
**Security Statistics Highlight Rising Terror Attacks**
According to official police data, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed 605 terror incidents between January and August this year. These attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 138 civilians and 79 police personnel. August alone saw 129 such incidents, including the deaths of six members of the Pakistan Army and the paramilitary Federal Constabulary.
—
The recent airstrike and ongoing military operations underscore the complex security challenges faced in the region, with significant ramifications for civilian safety and regional stability.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-bombs-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-village-30-killed/story
