PESHAWAR – At least 25 people, including women and children, lost their lives in a tragic incident in Tirah Valley, Khyber District. The explosion, reported around 2 a.m., left residents in shock and grief.
Local officials initially described the incident as mortar and bomb fire, but official sources later referred to it as an improvised explosive device (IED) blast. Conflicting statements have fueled confusion, but what remains clear is the devastating impact on the civilian population.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the killings, calling them “tragic and unacceptable.” He announced financial compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of victims. The chief minister also pledged urgent measures to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.
A jirga of elders from the region is expected to meet senior military officials soon. The meeting will focus on strategies to restore peace in Tirah Valley, taking lessons from similar operations conducted in Bajaur. Local lawmakers and community leaders are urging citizens to stand together and demand justice for the victims.
Authorities revealed that the blast occurred at a compound in Tirah Valley, which was reportedly being used as a bomb-making facility by militant commanders Aman Gul and Masood Khan. Police sources confirmed that weapons and explosives were stored at the site.
Of the 24 confirmed dead in the compound, authorities believe 14 were suspected militants. The remaining victims were civilians who were either present at the facility or living nearby. The powerful explosion also damaged several surrounding houses, adding to the tragedy.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the region. Calls for justice and stronger security measures are growing louder as families mourn their loved ones and communities fear a repeat of such violence.
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