KHAR: At least nine civilians have been killed and 12 others injured in a series of cross-border firing by Afghan forces in the Bajaur district over the last two months, officials said on Thursday.
The district administration, in a statement, said that six “tragic incidents” occurred during March and April in the Mamond and Salarzai tehsil, where Afghan forces reportedly resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling from across the border.
Civilian populations in Laghari Mamond and Taripah Shah in Salarzai were deliberately targeted, the statement said.The casualties included women and children. In addition to the loss of life and injuries, at least 18 residential houses were destroyed due to the shelling.
The district administration and security forces provided immediate relief to the affected families, the communique said, adding, the injured were given emergency medical assistance and later shifted to Peshawar for advanced treatment.
Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the damaged houses, and compensation for the victims, including the families of the deceased and injured, is expected to be announced soon.
Officials said the administration’s response helped bring the situation under control and reassured the public of the government’s support during the crisis.Meanwhile, residents expressed anger over the incidents.
Tribal elders, youth, and members of various schools of thought staged protests on April 16 against the targeting of innocent civilians, demanding an immediate halt to what they described as irresponsible actions by Afghan forces.
The district administration and security forces said they continue to closely monitor the situation and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the local population.
