Two Civilians Hurt in Upper South Waziristan Quadcopter Incident
Two civilians were injured in an Upper South Waziristan quadcopter incident in Barwand, in Servekai tehsil, on Thursday. Local sources and police confirmed the injuries, Dawn reported.
The injured men were identified as Saud Mehsud and Mir Azam Khan Mehsud. Both were shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Wana, where doctors are treating them. Medical Superintendent Dr Jan Mohammad Shinwari said the injured men were receiving appropriate medical care.
Police confirmed that two civilians sustained injuries in the incident. However, further details about the nature of the strike and the circumstances around it were not immediately available. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials have not yet said who operated the quadcopter.
Fear among residents
Residents of the area said quadcopter flights and strikes have continued in the region, causing fear among the local population. They expressed concern over the safety of civilians and called on the relevant authorities to take effective measures to protect lives and property.
They urged the authorities to act at once to prevent further strikes and to ensure the safety of residents in populated areas. The appeal reflects a long-running worry in South Waziristan, where residents say aerial activity over villages has become a regular source of anxiety.
The Upper South Waziristan quadcopter record
The incident follows an earlier public demand from the region on the same issue. A jirga in South Waziristan had demanded an end to quadcopter strikes and curfews, as covered in Feature Pakistan’s report on the jirga’s demands. That demand, raised in early October, shows that Thursday’s incident is not an isolated complaint. Local communities have been asking for protection from such strikes for weeks.
Security operations have continued across the merged districts in recent weeks. In Mir Ali, three militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation, as covered in our report on the Mir Ali operation. In Washuk, five people were killed in an intelligence-based operation, covered in our report on the Washuk operation. In Barkhan, Balochistan, the Counter Terrorism Department killed 10 militants in an operation, covered in our report on the Barkhan operation. These operations form the backdrop to the security situation in which Thursday’s incident took place. At the same time, residents stress that operations must not put civilians in populated areas at risk.
What remains unclear
Several questions remain unanswered. Officials have not confirmed the type of quadcopter involved or where it came from. They have also not said whether the strike targeted a specific location or person. Police said further details were not immediately available, which suggests the inquiry is still at an early stage.
The condition of the two injured men has not been described beyond the hospital’s statement that they are receiving care. Further updates from the hospital or the district administration may clarify whether their injuries are serious.
For now, the incident adds to the record of civilian harm reported from quadcopter activity in the region. It also renews the call from residents for clear measures to keep populated areas safe.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the incident take place?
It took place in Barwand, in Servekai tehsil of Upper South Waziristan, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Who was injured?
Two civilians, Saud Mehsud and Mir Azam Khan Mehsud, were injured. Both were taken to the district headquarters hospital in Wana.
Has anyone claimed responsibility?
No. Officials have not said who operated the quadcopter, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Have residents raised this issue before?
Yes. A jirga in South Waziristan earlier demanded an end to quadcopter strikes and curfews, and residents have repeatedly asked the authorities to protect populated areas.
