Recent political statements and social media posts have claimed that a large-scale military operation is underway in Tirah, forcing locals to move and creating significant civilian hardship. These claims have been widely circulated, prompting concerns over the accuracy of information regarding counter-terrorism efforts in the region. This fact-check examines the claims, contextual evidence, and operational realities.
Claim 1:
A large-scale military operation is being conducted in Tirah, displacing locals.
Fact Check:
No large-scale offensive is underway in Tirah.
Security forces have been conducting Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) targeting terrorists and their facilitators.
Locals who moved did so voluntarily, aligned with traditional seasonal migration.
No forced displacement was carried out by the army; all checkpoints and registration centers were managed by the civil administration.
Evidence:
Over 75,000 IBOs were conducted nationwide last year, averaging 200 per day.
These operations are designed to minimize civilian harm while targeting militants.
In Tirah, local jirgas coordinated with military and KPK authorities to allow safe operations, as militants (Kharjis) were embedded in populated areas, using locals as human shields.
Claim 2: Tirah residents are being harmed and subjected to collateral damage due to army operations.
Fact Check:
IBOs minimize civilian exposure and are specifically chosen to avoid large-scale human suffering.
Militants store explosives and use quadcopters for surveillance, creating inherent risks if traditional large-scale operations were attempted.
Evidence:
Coordination between local jirgas and authorities ensured that relocation was voluntary.
The army did not establish new large-scale check posts or forcibly move anyone.
Claim 3: Political parties (particularly PTI) claim that an operation is ongoing to create a narrative or cover up mismanagement.
Fact Check:
Claims about an “ongoing operation” appear to be politically motivated and not supported by facts on the ground.
Six army units have been stationed in Tirah for over a year; no additional forces have been inducted, which historically occurs for large-scale operations.
Winter conditions and snow make major offensive campaigns impractical.
Evidence:
Registration and control points are run entirely by civil administration.
Operational data confirms militants currently hold no territorial control in Tirah.
Reports indicate Rs. 40 million aid for IDPs has faced mismanagement, unrelated to army actions.
The Verdict:
There is no large-scale military operation in Tirah, and no forced displacement has occurred.
Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) remain ongoing and effective in targeting terrorists while minimizing civilian harm.
Political narratives claiming a hidden operation or deliberate civilian targeting are unfounded.
Coordination with local jirgas ensured that voluntary relocation aligned with seasonal migration, safeguarding locals and allowing security forces to target militants safely.
