Security Forces Intensify Border Surveillance in Khyber and Bajaur

KHYBER: Security officials have adopted a new operational strategy to curb militant infiltration from Afghanistan into Pakistan’s tribal districts, particularly Khyber and Bajaur, according to official sources.

🔎 Key Focus of the New Strategy

Enhanced border surveillance to stop infiltration of militants.
Cutting off supply lines of outlawed groups, including financial, ammunition, and human resources.
Targeted intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to minimize collateral damage and protect civilians.
Restricting militants to their current locations to exhaust their fighting capability.

Officials said the aim is to sever the resource chain of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups, whose command centres are based across the border. Once support lines are disrupted, they believe militant groups will face demoralisation and resource shortages.

📌 Timing of Operations

Security sources highlighted that the next six months (September to February) present an opportunity to reduce infiltration. Historically, militant groups retreat to sanctuaries in Afghanistan or seek refuge in border districts during winter to regroup before spring offensives.

Officials stressed the importance of preventing militants from replenishing resources and discouraging fresh recruitment during this period.

👥 Civilian Protection Measures

Authorities said the strategy prioritises avoiding large-scale displacement of locals, which communities have strongly opposed in past military operations.
Instead, law enforcement agencies will focus on smaller, intelligence-driven operations with minimal collateral damage.
In cases where militants use populated areas or human shields, security forces plan to create controlled escape routes to neutralize threats more effectively.

⚖️ Local Resistance to Past Operations

Earlier this year, elders in Tirah and Bara rejected proposals for a full-scale military operation and opposed forced displacement of residents. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) even set up a registration centre for families, but no one registered, reflecting strong local opposition.

Officials, however, denied that the revised border strategy is due to community resistance. They maintained that military action will continue when necessary, with adjustments made to reduce disruption to civilian life.

🌍 Situation on the Ground

Reports from Tirah Valley describe a calm but uncertain environment. Militants reportedly patrol areas under their control, while the movement of security forces is largely limited to fortified bases. Security officials have assured locals that no forced displacement will take place, nor will tribal lashkars be compelled to confront militant groups.

✅ Summary: Pakistan’s security forces have shifted to a smarter, targeted approach in Khyber and Bajaur, focusing on cutting off militant resources, boosting border surveillance, and protecting civilians while limiting full-scale displacements.