Datta Khel families flee amid fears of security operation

ISLAMABAD: Families in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel tehsil have been leaving their homes amid fears of a large-scale security operation, with movement from several villages towards what residents consider safer areas continuing for the past week.

Residents said roads leading into and out of Datta Khel have remained closed for several days, disrupting routine life across the area. Markets are said to be nearly shut, while shortages of food, medicines and other basic items have started to surface.

According to local accounts, people have been departing both day and night, often under difficult conditions. Residents said women, children and elderly people have been forced to leave during the night despite intense heat. Some families were seen travelling in vehicles, while others were making the journey on foot.

Local resident Bilal Khan described the atmosphere in the area as one of deep anxiety. "People are gripped with severe fear. Families were being moved in vehicles throughout the night. Many did not even have time to pack their belongings," he said.

Another resident, Jalal, said elderly people, patients, women and children were among those facing the greatest hardship. "Elderly people and patients are suffering the most. Many old individuals can barely walk but are still forced to leave. Children are terrified and women are extremely distressed."

Residents describe repeated displacement

Residents questioned why civilians continue to bear the impact of security operations despite what they described as a heavy presence of security forces in the region. A local shopkeeper said the poorest people were once again paying the price of conflict and displacement. "The burden of every conflict and every operation falls on the poor. People are repeatedly rendered homeless and forced to rebuild their lives from scratch," he informed.

Tribal elder Adnan also criticised the absence of elected representatives during the current hardship. "Our MNAs and MPAs are nowhere to be seen in this time of hardship. They only appear when they need votes," he lamented.

He said the people of Datta Khel had already faced displacement several times because of terrorism and military operations, which had affected both their livelihoods and mental well-being.

Affected families said no formal relief camps, medical services or food arrangements had yet been made for them. Many, they said, were staying in the open or taking shelter with relatives.

Officials cite security concerns

Government sources said tightened security measures were prompted by intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in parts of Datta Khel. Officials said the steps were precautionary and necessary both for public safety and for the effectiveness of any possible anti-terror operation.

Residents, however, said repeated displacement had increased fear and weakened trust. They said the people of Waziristan had lived through decades of unrest, conflict and instability and now wanted peace, dignity and a stable life.

According to the reported accounts from the area, the movement of families out of Datta Khel and nearby localities was still continuing, and the situation remained tense. Those affected appealed to the government to urgently provide transport, food, clean drinking water, medical care and financial assistance.