Fighting forces residents to flee homes in Pakistan's Khyber district

Scores of families in Pakistan's Khyber district have been forced to abandon their homes in the Bara tehsil, caught in the crossfire between security forces and terrorists. The residents, particularly from the Sturikhel area near the border with Orakzai district, describe a pervasive sense of vulnerability to aerial bombardments and artillery shelling.

Sources in the region indicate that villagers from Meero Darra, Sal Gazai, Sawi Kot, and Parrwan were compelled to leave their homes due to relentless shelling and drone strikes that occurred day and night. One displaced resident, speaking anonymously, revealed that terrorist groups attempted to use them as human shields. "We felt completely insecure and decided to leave our houses instead of getting caught in the fighting between terrorists and security forces," the resident stated.

Recent days have seen terrorist groups reportedly arrive in Bara from the Tirah valley, an area whose residents also evacuated in late 2025 and early 2026 in anticipation of military operations. Clashes in the Sturikhel area intensified after security forces launched intelligence-based operations. While many Sturikhel residents have relocated to relatives' homes in Bara, others have moved to Peshawar, seeking refuge in their own properties or rented accommodations.

A jirga, or council, of Sturikhel tribal elders has met with officials from the Khyber district administration to convey their plight. The elders are demanding official recognition as internally displaced persons and the provision of necessary assistance. They also plan to meet with security officials to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Lakar Baba village area.

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We felt completely insecure and decided to leave our houses instead of getting caught in the fighting between terrorists and security forces.