Claim:
Recent reports suggest that security forces have targeted innocent civilians in the Katlang mountains, Mardan, under the pretext of counterterrorism operations. Allegations also include drone strikes and civilian casualties.
Check:
Investigations reveal that the Katlang mountains have been a hub for militant activity since early 2023. The region’s rugged terrain and natural hideouts have made it an ideal refuge for terrorists, who have used these locations to launch attacks, including the March 2024 attack on a Chinese convoy in Besham and the September 2024 attack on a diplomats’ convoy near Malam Jabba. Intelligence reports confirm that FAK declared Mardan a ‘Walaya’ and appointed K. Abdul Hameed Hamasi as its commander in January 2025.
Security forces, in joint operations, successfully dismantled these networks. A major operation in September 2024 neutralized four militants, including FAK’s Mardan commander, Mohsin Qadir. Further counterterrorism efforts in October 2024 led to the destruction of terrorist hideouts, confirming that these locations were inaccessible to civilians.
Evidence:
Multiple intelligence sources confirm the presence of terrorist hideouts in Katlang.
Security operations resulted in the elimination of key militant figures and destruction of their strongholds.
Reports indicate that some locals, particularly from the Gujjar community, facilitated militant logistics under the guise of shepherding.
Militants have exploited social media to spread misinformation, falsely claiming drone strikes and civilian casualties to deflect from their losses.
Conclusion:
The allegations of civilian casualties in Katlang appear to be a misinformation campaign by militants attempting to manipulate public perception. The so-called civilians present in militant hideouts were likely facilitators aiding terrorist activities. Moreover, the possibility of militants eliminating their own local contacts to shift blame onto state forces cannot be ruled out.
State institutions remain committed to ensuring national security and countering terrorism, regardless of any false narratives spread by hostile elements.
