Waziristan quadcopter flights spark fear in Birmal

Residents of Birmal Tehsil in Lower South Waziristan have urged authorities to put an end to nighttime quadcopter flights and gunfire, saying the repeated disturbances are spreading fear and disrupting daily life in the area.

People from Kalosha, Azam Warsak and Paley Chowk told Dawn that they heard ongoing quadcopter activity, gunfire and blasts on the night between August 4 and 5. They said the sounds caused panic and added to anxiety in communities that have already been living with months of similar incidents.

Residents say repeated disturbances are affecting families

According to the residents, the problem has not been limited to a single night. They said such episodes have continued for several months and are now affecting the mental well-being of local people, especially women and children.

They also claimed that explosions had taken place near residential areas, deepening the sense of insecurity among families in Birmal Tehsil. The residents called on the relevant authorities to take notice and restore calm in the region.

No official response so far

As reported by Dawn, the security forces, police and district administration had not issued any official statement on the residents’ claims at the time of publication.

However, a senior district administration official said militants had allegedly attacked a security forces checkpost on Azam Warsak Road in Birmal late at night. He said security forces responded promptly and repulsed the attack.

The account underscores the uncertainty around the situation in the area, where residents are reporting repeated nocturnal disturbances while officials have not yet publicly addressed the concerns in detail.

Why the issue matters

For local communities, persistent overnight noise and blasts can do more than interrupt sleep. Residents say the repeated sounds have created a climate of fear that is affecting normal routines and family life. In areas already accustomed to security-related tension, any new incident can quickly heighten concern.

The latest appeal from Birmal residents adds to calls for clarity and restraint as people seek answers about the source of the quadcopter flights and the gunfire they say have become more frequent.

What happens next?

With no formal statement from the security forces, police or district administration, residents are waiting for an explanation and for measures that could reduce the tension. For now, the complaint remains centered on one request: an end to the repeated nighttime disturbances that locals say are unsettling their communities.