PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur promised an inquiry on Sunday following reports of civilian casualties during Saturday’s anti-terror operation in the mountainous Katlang region of Mardan district.
In a statement, the chief minister emphasized that the inquiry would examine all aspects to establish the facts. He assured that the provincial government would take a clear stance on the matter once the inquiry report was completed.
According to an Express News report, the chief minister noted that previous counterterrorism operations in the same area had also resulted in the elimination of high-profile terrorists, including Mohsin Baqar and Abbas. He assured his government’s full support for the victims’ families.
Earlier on Saturday, the K-P government expressed regret over the reported civilian casualties in Mardan, extending its “deepest condolences” and expressing support to the affected families “in their moment of grief”.
Security forces conducted an operation in the early hours of Saturday in the remote hilltop area of Katlang in Mardan. The operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, who were using the location as a hideout and transit point.
The K-P government said that the operation successfully neutralised several high-value targets, adding that “unfortunately, subsequent reports confirmed the presence of non-combatants, including women and children, at the periphery of the target zone, resulting in tragic civilian casualties”.
This, it said, was an immensely painful development. “Every effort is made during such operations to avoid collateral damage. However, the complex terrain, the deliberate tactics of militants to embed within civilian populations, and the fog of war can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.”
The K-P government extended its deepest condolences to the affected families, stating that immediate measures were being taken to investigate the circumstances surrounding civilian presence in the area. “Efforts are afoot to] extend medical aid to the injured and compensation for the victims’ families.
