Tensions have escalated in South Waziristan Upper as seven police officers have gone missing in two separate incidents, just a day after the extremist group Fitna al-Khawarij issued a threatening pamphlet in the region.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan, three police personnel; Insaf, Abid, and Ismail, went missing while on patrol in the Laddah Police Station limits. In a separate incident, four officers from Sarwakai Police Station disappeared in the Tanga Chagmalai area. The missing include Sub-Inspector Abdul Khaliq, Constables Irfanullah, Habibullah, and Imran.
The sudden disappearance of the officers follows the circulation of a chilling leaflet by the Khawarij in Azam Warsak, warning government employees, ex-militants who surrendered, informants, and security forces to surrender to the group or face severe consequences. The timing has raised alarms about a possible connection between the threats and the missing officers.
DPO Khan confirmed that no contact has been made with the officers and extensive search operations are underway. While there has been no official claim of responsibility, security officials are not ruling out the possibility of Khawarij involvement, especially given the recent surge in threats and coercive tactics by the group.
The pamphlet, released just 24 hours prior to the disappearances, marks a troubling shift in militant strategy. Facing growing rejection from local communities, highlighted recently when the people of Azam Warsak refused to perform funeral prayers for a Khawarij commander, the group appears to be resorting to direct intimidation and targeted disappearances.
Security forces have increased surveillance and patrols in the region, while tribal elders and community leaders continue to stand firm against extremist narratives. However, the fate of the seven missing officers remains unknown, and their safe recovery has become an urgent priority.
