Security forces on Monday resumed Operation Sarbakaf in the Loi Mamond subdivision of Bajaur to eliminate Khawarij, as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government imposed a three-month curfew across several parts of the conflict-hit region a move that has drawn criticism from residents.
The operation was first launched on July 29 but was suspended the following day after partial progress in peace talks between the Bajaur Peace Jirga and local Khawarij commanders. The dialogue, aimed at facilitating the relocation of the militants to Afghanistan, collapsed on Friday evening when disagreements over key terms brought the process to a halt.
At first light on Monday, security forces, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, struck Khawarij positions in Loi Mamond and neighbouring War Mamond subdivisions, located around 20 kilometres from Khar, the district headquarters. The offensive continued until sunset, with no immediate reports of casualties.
The curfew, enforced with the approval of the provincial Home Department, has shut down major roads and commercial centres, affecting over two dozen villages. Restrictions will remain in place until August 14, covering key routes including the Khar–Manda Road, Khar–Nawagai Road, Khar–Pashat Salarzai Road, and Khar–Sadiqabad–Inayat Kalli Road. The notification was posted on the deputy commissioner’s official page in the early hours of Monday.
According to official sources, the breakdown of talks followed the Khawarij’s refusal to meet three demands from tribal elders, including an unconditional withdrawal from the area. Intelligence indicates that approximately 300 Khawarij are concentrated in two localities of Mamond, a subdivision with a population exceeding 300,000. More than 40,000 residents have already been displaced.
Security assessments also point to over 350 Khawarij in Khyber district, with more than 80 per cent of the militants in both Bajaur and Khyber reported to be Afghan nationals.
Malakand Commissioner Abid Wazir confirmed that arrangements have been made to house displaced families. A total of 107 government buildings in Khar have been designated as temporary shelters, while a tent village will be established at Khar Sports Complex. He said all essential facilities would be provided to those forced to leave their homes.
