Hundreds of residents from the Bannu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province staged protests early Friday morning, July 19, against the insecurity in their area.
Reports indicate that as protesters attempted to enter a military base in Bannu, army forces fired shots towards them.
The call for these protests was initiated by local traders who claim that ongoing conflict has severely impacted their livelihoods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Protesters allege that Bannu has become a battleground between the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the country’s army, disrupting daily life for residents.
Local sources report that at least four protesters were killed and 21 others injured after the demonstrations turned violent. A spokesperson from the local hospital, DHQ Bannu, confirmed that the bodies of four individuals killed by gunfire were brought to the hospital.
According to reports, some protesters were trampled and injured due to overcrowding during the demonstrations.
Videos circulating on social media depict scenes from the protests in Bannu, showing hundreds of residents carrying white flags with the word “peace” written on them, demanding an end to insecurity in the region caused by Pakistani Taliban (TTPP) and army operations.
This came after the militant group Hafiz Gul Bahadur attacked a military base in Bannu on Monday, led by commanders of the Pakistani Taliban, resulting in a 24-hour clash with Pakistani forces during which 8 military personnel were killed.
Pakistani security officials claim that two of the attackers were Afghan nationals. The Taliban has not yet responded to these allegations.
The incidents in Bannu underscore the escalating tensions and violence affecting civilians caught in the crossfire of regional conflict.
As the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains volatile, concerns grow over the safety and stability of the region, prompting calls for immediate measures to mitigate further violence and protect civilian lives.
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