North Waziristan May 2025: Reactions to Suspected Drone Strike
On May 19, 2025, a suspected drone strike in Hurmuz village, Mir Ali tehsil, North Waziristan, reportedly killed four children and injured five others. The incident sparked widespread protests, with residents staging a sit-in at Mir Ali Chowk. Protesters demanded justice, a transparent investigation, compensation for the victims’ families, and an end to drone strikes in the region.
The Pakistani military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), denied involvement in the strike, attributing the attack to the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which they referred to as “Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij.” ISPR labeled allegations against security forces as part of a “coordinated disinformation campaign” aimed at discrediting counterterrorism efforts. After eight days of protests, the sit-in concluded on May 27 following negotiations between protest leaders and government officials.
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