Pakistan admits civilian casualties during anti-militant operation

On March 29, 2025, Pakistan reported the death of 10 civilians in an anti-militant operation that took place in the remote hilltop area of Katlang, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The government acknowledged that during the early morning hours, the operation led to unintended casualties while targeting terrorist strongholds. Reports from local authorities indicated that the area was being used as a hideout and transit point for militants. It was confirmed that unarmed civilians were present at the site at the time of the operation. Authorities expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives, which included women and children, and stated that they were undertaking an investigation into the incident. Local villagers claimed that the deceased belonged to the nomadic community from the Swat region, and their families staged protests by placing the bodies on the Swat Highway. The provincial government expressed its commitment to ensuring medical assistance for the injured and compensation for the families affected. Furthermore, officials emphasized the complexity of operations in mountainous terrain where militants often use civilian populations as shields. Despite acknowledging the tragedy, they defended the operation by indicating that it effectively neutralized several high-value targets involved in ongoing militant activities. The government’s statement pointed out the challenges during such operations that can lead to unfortunate results amidst combat situations.