Pakistani airstrikes hit Matre Dara village, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, early Monday, killing at least 30 people, including women and children, after eight bombs were dropped by fighter jets. The attack happened around 2 am when Pakistani fighter jets dropped eight LS-6 bombs on Matre Dara village, located in the Tirah Valley. All of the victims were civilians.

Local media reports say that many others were injured, but their exact condition is still unclear. Disturbing pictures and videos from the site show bodies lying around, including those of children. Rescue teams are working to search for more bodies under the rubble, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

The region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen many counter-terrorism operations in the past, which have often resulted in civilian casualties. The recent airstrike is another tragic incident affecting residents. According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country has experienced a rise in terror attacks in early 2025.

In January alone, there was a 42 per cent increase in attacks compared to the previous month. At least 74 terrorist incidents were recorded nationwide, resulting in over 90 deaths. Among the provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the worst-affected, followed by Balochistan.

The airstrike in Matre Dara village highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, and the toll on innocent civilians continues to be a serious concern. Rescue teams and local authorities are working under difficult conditions to provide help and assess the full scale of the tragedy.