PESHAWAR/BAJAUR: Eleven civilians, including five children, were martyred and 16 people injured in terrorism-related incidents in Hangu, South Waziristan and Bajaur districts.

Officials told Dawn that six civilians were martyred and 14, including two policemen, suffered injuries when terrorists fired mortar shells during a security operation in Hangu.

They said that two police personnel were also injured during the crossfire.

Officials said that the law-enforcement agencies launched an operation after terrorists took over a police checkpost in the Zargari area, a school and Shinwari Fort located in the mountains.

Security forces put on high alert

They said that the operation, launched on Wednesday, lasted over 48 hours with fierce exchange of fire on the night between Wednesday and Thursday to clear the area. Besides Hangu police and the counter terrorism-department, Tank Scouts also took part in the operation. Helicopters were also used in operation against terrorists.

“This happened during the operation when militants fired mortar shells that landed in civilian areas and claimed the lives of six civilians. 12 others were wounded in the attack,” Hangu district police officer Tariq Habib told Dawn.

He added that two cops sustained minor injuries in the sniper attack.

The DPO said that the operation continued for over 48 hours and that the police took control of the entire area.

He said that the situation was completely under control.

“We pounded the militants’ location in a precision strike and we believe heavy losses on the other side but since it was almost midnight, bodies could not be recovered,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hangu police, in a statement, said that terrorists made attempts in Zargari, Shinawari and Naryab but failed to lay siege to several checkposts.

They said timely and robust operations foiled the terrorists’ moves.

The police said during the intense clashes, they along with security forces confronted terrorists, leading to the clearance of schools and parts of the mountainous areas from the terrorist control.

“Throughout the operation, heavy firing and clashes continued between militants and security forces, while the militants also fired mortar shells,” the police said in the statement. They added that a search and clearance operation continued in the area, and the security forces remained on high alert to deal with any situation.

Meanwhile, three children of a family were killed after an explosive-filled cylinder, dumped by terrorists in a civilian area, exploded in Ghwakhwa area of South Waziristan district.

Security sources said several people were injured in the incident who were immediately shifted to district headquarters hospital in Wana.

They said the martyred children included 15-year-old Shah Hussain, seven-year-old Sanaya Bibi, and Sureen.

Also, two children were martyred and four injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in Bajaur district on Thursday evening.

Official sources and locals said the clash in Malkana Dama Dola area of War Mamund tehsil erupted when security forces were conducting a search operation against suspected terrorists in the region.

The armed clash was triggered when terrorists opened fire on security personnel who were hunting for the suspected militants in Malkana Damadola locality, the source added.

Residents told Dawn that the exchange of fire lasted quite some time, leaving two children martyred and four people injured.

Confirming casualties in the clash, deputy superintendent of police Niaz Mohammad told reporters that the wounded children, including Junaid Khan, 9, Kalsoom Bibi, 7, Hilal Khan, 9, and Hajera Bibi, 8, were taken to the district headquarters hospital, Khar, for treatment.

He said that Owis Khan and Abu Huraira were among the deceased, who along with the injured belonged to the Malakana Dama Dola area. Scores of people, including political and social activists, rushed to the hospital to donate blood for the injured.

Meanwhile, people from different walks of life, including ANP MPA Mohammad Nisar Baz Khan and PTI MPA Dr Hamidur Rehman, condemned the killing of the children.

They sympathised with the bereaved families and said such incidents should be avoided in the future.

Sources in the Khar hospital said the condition of the most injured children was out of danger and that they’re recovering fast.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026