Unconfirmed reports indicate that militants from Afghanistan attacked Frontier Corps (FC) personnel at multiple locations along the Pak-Afghan border in the Maidan area of Lower Dir district on Saturday, leading to fears of casualties on both sides.
Local residents and official sources reported that militants infiltrated from the Afghan side through the Shahi border area at Lamotai Top, Suripao, and Safarai forest. However, these reports have not yet been confirmed by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
Upon receiving information about the alleged infiltration, FC troops, led by Captain Yasin, Captain Asfandiar, and Subedar Hamza, moved to block the militants’ advance. The militants allegedly attacked the troops, who retaliated, raising concerns of casualties on both sides.
Security forces surrounded the alleged militants at three different locations, and gunship helicopters later launched strikes on their hideouts. According to locals, artillery shells were also fired at the suspected locations.
The severity of the situation prompted the military to deploy regular troops to the area.
Locals noted that members of the banned TTP, originating from Lower Dir and Swat districts, frequently use the Shahi and Binshahi routes to enter Lower Dir and move towards Swat, particularly during Eid.
June 23, 2024
Source: Dawn