A powerful blast shook Pakistan’s Tirah Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa today, leaving at least 24 people dead. The explosion took place inside a militant compound where bomb-making material was stored. Authorities confirmed that the dead include militants along with women and children from nearby homes, turning this into one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months.
The police reported that the compound was linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Commanders Aman Gul and Masood Khan were said to be operating from the site. The force of the blast leveled several houses, causing panic among local residents who rushed to search for survivors under the debris. Rescue teams struggled to reach the remote valley as chaos spread through the surrounding villages.
Officials claim the cause was accidental detonation of explosives kept in unsafe conditions. However, local witnesses and opposition voices insist that the compound and surrounding homes were struck by military aircraft. They allege an airstrike targeted the area, killing civilians alongside militants. This contradiction has fueled political debate and calls for a transparent investigation.
Human rights groups have raised alarms, demanding an inquiry into the incident. They stressed that women and children should never be caught in the crossfire of Pakistan’s battle with militant groups. Analysts argue that militants deliberately store weapons in residential zones, making civilian lives more vulnerable, but critics say the state must still uphold its responsibility to protect innocent people.
The Tirah Valley tragedy highlights the fragile security situation in northwest Pakistan. As military operations continue against insurgents, the risk to non-combatants grows higher. What really happened today may remain disputed, but for the families who lost loved ones, the debate cannot change the pain. Pakistan now faces renewed pressure to balance counter-terrorism with accountability and civilian safety.