Pakistan admits 10 civilians killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operation

Pakistan's military confirmed the killing of 10 civilians, including women and children, during an anti-militant operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Katlang area, marking a rare admission of civilian casualties in such operations. The raid targeted alleged hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with authorities claiming the operation was necessary to prevent an imminent attack during Eid-ul-Fitr. Local families protested by placing the bodies on the Swat Highway, demanding accountability, while the provincial government labeled the deaths 'unintended consequences' of targeting militants. Provincial spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif expressed regret over the civilian casualties, emphasizing the complexities of conducting military operations in areas where terrorists use civilian populations as cover. The government has vowed to investigate the incident and provide compensation to the victims' families. Additionally, the army reported neutralizing several high-value militant targets during the operation.