On September 22, 2025, a Pakistani airstrike in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province resulted in the deaths of at least 30 civilians, including women and children. The Pakistan Air Force reportedly dropped eight LS-6 precision-guided bombs on Matre Dara village around 2 a.m., causing widespread destruction. Local authorities suspect the presence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in the area, who are believed to have been using civilians as human shields. However, opposition leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the attack, calling it an overreach and a violation of human rights .

The Tirah Valley has long been a stronghold for various militant groups, including the TTP, which has been active in the region since the early 2000s. The valley's rugged terrain and proximity to the Afghanistan border have made it a strategic location for insurgents. Despite numerous military operations, the area remains a focal point of Pakistan's ongoing struggle to establish control and counteract militancy .

This incident underscores the complexities of counterinsurgency efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where military actions often result in civilian casualties, raising questions about the effectiveness and ethical implications of such operations.