Terrorist Patrols Instill Fear in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Fear grips Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province as TTP and Lashkar-i-Islam militants patrol near the Afghanistan border. Despite government operations, residents demand enhanced security. Viral videos and social media posts highlight the dire situation, with militants moving freely and citizens fearing for their safety.

Fear has enveloped parts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province as armed men from terrorist groups Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) have begun patrols near the Afghanistan border, according to a report by Dawn. Residents have called on authorities to ramp up security in the valley amid rising tensions.

In response, the provincial government has initiated several operations, but effectiveness has been limited, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt. Locals from Pir Mela and Maidan indicate that while local markets remain open, vehicles of TTP and Lashkar-i-Islam continue to enter and leave the valley. Reports also suggest the presence of terrorists in other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bar Qambarkhel, Adamkhel, Thiyrai, and Landawar.

Viral videos on social media showing armed TTP members in Pir Mela Bazaar have intensified calls for security force intervention. Common citizens face repeated body searches and questioning at checkpoints, while militants roam freely. Dawn's report notes that local police and armed forces have largely withdrawn from Tribat following the arrival of these militants.

Residents in Maidan remain indoors, anticipating a military operation they believe is imminent. One resident lamented, 'We can't afford to move. We have already suffered huge losses during our last displacement and have yet to rebuild our homes.'

People in Sanda Pal, Bhutan Shareef, and Dars Jumaat report that militants demand food and shelter under threat of severe consequences. A pamphlet in Pashto circulating on social media claims TTP militants have 'complete control' over Peer Tharee area in Shalobar and Bhutan, patrolling Pir Mela Bazaar as security forces abandon positions.

Both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, provinces sharing a border with Afghanistan, have experienced multiple terrorist attacks. According to Dawn, almost 92% of fatalities and 87% of attacks this year occurred in these regions, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffering 67% and Balochistan 25% of all fatalities in the second quarter of 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)