SOUTH WAZIRISTAN(National Times)- Residents of Birmal Tehsil in Lower South Waziristan on Wednesday called on authorities to ensure an end to nighttime quadcopter flights and gunfire, saying the persistent disturbances have created fear and disrupted life.

Talking to Dawn, residents of Kalosha, Azam Warsak and Paley Chowk areas said they heard continuous quadcopter flights, gunfire and blasts on the night between Aug 4 and 5, causing fear and panic among them.

They said such incidents had persisted for several months and had begun to affect the mental well-being of residents, particularly women and children.

Residents claimed that several explosions also occurred near residential areas, further increasing the sense of insecurity among the local population.

The security forces, police and district administration have not issued any official statement regarding the claims of the residents.

However, a senior district administration official said militants had allegedly attacked a security forces’ checkpost on the Azam Warsak Road in Birmal late at night.

He said security forces responded promptly and repulsed the attack.