Surge in Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Year in Review
According to Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region has experienced a troubling increase in violent attacks this year, Khaama Press reported yesterday.
Official data reveals that the province was targeted 636 times, resulting in 275 fatalities and 460 injuries. A report released on December 7 highlights that among those killed, 142 were security personnel and 133 were civilians. The majority of casualties stemmed from bombings and shootings, with incidents including six suicide bombings, 113 IED explosions, and 355 cases of gunfire.
The report further notes that 214 police officers and 246 civilians were injured in these assaults. The ongoing violence underscores the severe security challenges Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces, as it remains a battleground for extremist groups.
In response, Pakistani military operations have reportedly killed 246 militants and led to the arrest of 739 individuals for terrorist activities, including 29 key targets. Islamabad claims that groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate from Afghan territory, a claim denied by the Afghan Taliban.
On Saturday, armed men attacked a Frontier Corps checkpoint in Kurram district, killing six security personnel and wounding seven. This incident is separate from recent sectarian clashes in the area.
