In the border region of Bajaur District, three civilians, including two children, were martyred and three others seriously injured after cross-border shelling struck the village of Malik Shaheen in Katkot area, security sources said.
Officials described the attack as an unprovoked act of aggression targeting civilian population, resulting in the deaths of a woman and two children from a single household. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment, where their condition is said to be critical.
Security sources stated that the shelling came after recent failed infiltration attempts by terrorist elements linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, which were reportedly being pushed into Pakistani territory from across the border.
According to officials, security forces had earlier foiled an infiltration attempt in the same sector through swift action, after which hostile positions across the border allegedly resorted to targeting civilian areas.
In response, Pakistani forces launched a strong counteraction, targeting firing positions across the border and destroying several gun emplacements, security sources added.
Authorities said that multiple hostile posts opposite Bajaur were also engaged in retaliatory strikes, causing significant damage. The situation along the border remains tense, with security forces maintaining high alert to protect civilian lives and prevent further escalation.
Local residents strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the security forces, while officials reiterated that targeting civilians constitutes a serious violation and will be met with decisive response.
