The “counter-terrorism operation” on Saturday morning targeted hideouts of terrorists in the remote hilltop area of Katlang in Mardan district, the provincial government said in a press note.
It confirmed the civilian casualties and suggested that women and children might be among the victims. Later, official reports said 12 terrorists were killed during the operation.
The press note, issued on Saturday, said the operation was based on “credible intelligence” about armed militants using the location as a hideout and transit point. It said “several high-value targets linked to ongoing militant activities in the region” were killed in the operation.
“Unfortunately, subsequent reports have confirmed the presence of non-combatants, including women and children, at the periphery of the target zone, resulting in tragic civilian casualties,” the press note stated.
Terming it an “immensely painful and regrettable development”, the press note said every effort is made to avoid “collateral damage”. “However, the complex terrain, the deliberate tactics of militants to embed within civilian populations, and the fog of war can sometimes lead to unintended consequences,” it added.
