At least 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed in an airstrike carried out by the Pakistan Air Force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, according to reports. The incident took place around 2 am in the Pashtun majority village of Matre Dara.
Airstrike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Local sources said that the Pakistan Air Force dropped eight LS-6 bombs from JF-17 fighter jets, resulting in massive destruction in Matre Dara. Entire sections of the village were reduced to rubble, with dozens of homes damaged. While official confirmation on the number of injured is awaited, eyewitness accounts suggest that several residents sustained serious injuries.
Reports of Targeting TTP Hideouts
According to local media, the airstrike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was aimed at suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts. However, all the reported casualties were civilians. This has raised fresh concerns about the growing use of heavy airpower in areas populated by villagers.
The Pakistan Army has stepped up operations in recent weeks against militants in the province, which shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan. Military officials argue that the air raids are part of a broader campaign to eliminate terrorist threats emanating from the region.
Recent Counter-Terrorism Operations
On Sunday, the Pakistan Army announced that seven TTP members were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan. Among them were three Afghan nationals and two suicide bombers, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Earlier, on September 13 and 14, security forces reported killing at least 31 TTP fighters in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These incidents reflect the rising intensity of counter-terrorism actions in the province.
Escalating Violence in Border Regions
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become the focal point of Pakistan’s struggle against terrorism, with frequent clashes between security forces and insurgents. Analysts note that while the operations aim to weaken militant networks, the growing civilian toll may fuel resentment among local populations.
The latest airstrike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlights both the scale of Pakistan’s military campaign and the risks faced by ordinary residents caught in the crossfire. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Pakistan Air Force regarding civilian casualties in Matre Dara.
