Peshawar, November 23, 2024-Violence has escalated in Kurram District after unidentified gunmen attacked passenger vehicles, resulting in 43 deaths earlier this week. Fresh clashes have claimed 18 more lives and left 30 injured as armed groups continue to exchange heavy gunfire.
According to police reports, intense fighting is underway between tribes in the Alizai and Bagan areas of Lower Kurram. Additionally, hostilities have spread to Balishkhel, Khar Kalli, Kunj Alizai, and Maqbal, where rival groups are targeting each other with heavy and automatic weaponry.
The clashes were triggered on Thursday when armed assailants opened fire on passenger convoys in the Bagan, Mandori, and Ochat areas, hitting six vehicles and killing 45 people, including women and children. Local resident Ziarat Hussain told Reuters that the convoys were traveling between Peshawar and Parachinar when the ambush occurred. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The ongoing violence has forced many residents to flee their villages for safer locations. Meanwhile, extensive damage has been reported to homes and shops in the affected areas.
In response to the deteriorating situation, schools in Kurram District remain closed. Muhammad Hayat Hassan, Chairman of the Private Education Network, confirmed the shutdown due to security concerns.
Provincial delegation arrives to defuse tensions
A high-level delegation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Saif, Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, and Inspector General Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, has arrived in Lower Kurram to mediate.
The delegation aims to meet with tribal elders and victims’ families to negotiate an end to the hostilities. Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud stated that efforts are underway to restore peace, with security forces and local administration actively involved. Former Member of Parliament from the area, Sajid Hussain Turi, also confirmed to Dawn that a high-level meeting is being held to address the crisis.
The district administration has convened a session in the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, bringing together tribal elders, security forces, and officials to develop a coordinated strategy for peace. Authorities have expressed optimism about resolving the conflict swiftly with community cooperation.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the attacks, all eyes remain on the government’s ability to restore stability and prevent further bloodshed.
