Upper Dir Terrorist Standoff Triggers Local Lashkar Mobilisation

In a display of public backing for security forces, residents across several localities in Upper Dir mobilised armed volunteer groups on Thursday to reinforce police engaged in an ongoing confrontation with terrorists in the Barikot Dubando region.

Calls broadcast from local mosque loudspeakers prompted citizens from Wari, Nihag Dara, Shalgah, Lar Jam, and Ushirai Dara to organize a traditional tribal militia, or lashkar, and advance toward the clash zone in the mountains.

According to reports from Dawn Pakistan, the operation began late Wednesday evening and extended into Thursday, with police officers and militant operatives entrenched in hostile positions. Both sides have been firing heavy weaponry across the rugged terrain, though officials have not confirmed any casualties.

Security forces also conducted limited shelling from military helicopters targeting suspected insurgent positions in the surrounding hills. No casualties were reported from the aerial strikes.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that militants briefly held several local residents hostage during the initial stages of the conflict before releasing them unharmed.

Security operations remain underway in Upper Dir as law enforcement personnel, backed by armed civilian volunteers, continue to engage the entrenched militants.