Afghan shelling leaves 9 martyred in Bajaur

Women, children bear brunt in March-April attacks

BAJAUR:

At least nine civilians have been martyred and 12 others injured in unprovoked cross-border firing and shelling by Afghan forces over the past two months in Bajaur district, local authorities confirmed on Thursday.

According to official figures released by Deputy Commissioner Bajaur, Shahid Ali Khan, the majority of the victims are women and children. The attacks occurred in the Mamond and Salarzai areas of the district during March and April.

A press release statement by the district administration detailed six separate incidents in which Afghan forces deliberately targeted civilian populations in the Laghari Mamond and Taripa Shah Salarzai areas. The cross-border aggression resulted in the destruction of eight residential houses.

In response, the Bajaur district administration and security forces launched timely and effective actions. Affected families were provided immediate relief, and the injured were given emergency medical aid before being transferred to Peshawar for advanced treatment.

Authorities have also initiated steps for the reconstruction of damaged homes, with compensation for destroyed properties, the injured, and the families of the martyrs to be awarded soon.