SWAT: After recent militant activity and the ensuing large-scale protests from residents, security checkpoints have been set up at various locations in Matta and Kabal tehsils, residents and sources said on Tuesday.

Residents said several military vehicles carrying security personnel were seen in both tehsils. “Gunship helicopters were seen today [Tuesday] hovering over the hills bordering Swat and Dir districts and army vehicles also patrolled the roads,” Iqbal Khan, who lives in Matta’s Sakhra area, said.

Sources also confirmed that hundreds of security personnel, including the army and the elite police force accompanied by local cops, launched an operation at dawn to comb Matta’s mountainous region. However, official military and police sources haven’t yet confirmed the development.

There were no reports of an encounter or engagement, indicating that a group of militants holding high ground had left their positions, sources said, adding that it was not immediately clear where they had gone.

Residents of both tehsils said mobile and landline networks and internet services had remained suspended for over two days, but no gunshots or other sounds were heard so far in their areas.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...