Pakistan said it killed 10 citizens during an anti-militant activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.
The procedure, in Katlang, a distant hill place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was aimed at violent lairs and resulted in the deaths of 12 suspected jihadists. But, it also led to the deaths of 10 civilians, including women and children, sparking anger.
Government official Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the fatalities and said that the site was being used as a shelter and transit stage for terrorists. He admitted that armed residents were present at the site.
” The protection of civilians is usually a major priority during such activities. However, according to complex landscape, terrorists using human populations as support, and the serious nature of the operation, unintended consequences is sometimes occur”, said Saif, as quoted by the Associated Press.
The municipal government has now promised an investigation into how the procedure led to human deaths.
Local people reported that the subjects were nomad from the Swat place who had been living in the Shamozai hills with their cattle. Their people protested by placing their body on the Swat Highway, demanding justice.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deputy secretary Ali Amin Gandapur called the affair “highly cruel and tragic”. He assured that every effort is made to prevent civilian casualties but acknowledged the problems of military operations in difficult plains where militants embed themselves among residents.
The authorities said health aid is being provided to the wounded, and payment for the victims ‘ families is being arranged. A municipal media statement said the procedure had “neutralised some high-value violent targets” but admitted that the “fog of war” often leads to unintended consequences.
