At least six individuals have been killed following a rocket attack on a humanitarian aid convoy in the violence-ridden Kurram district of Pakistan. The assault, which targeted a convoy of 35 vehicles carrying essential food and medical supplies, occurred in the Bagan Bazar area of Kurram on Friday.
Attack on Aid Convoy
The convoy was en route from Thall to Parachinar when it was ambushed by assailants armed with rockets and automatic weapons. The attackers also set several vehicles on fire, causing extensive damage to the relief supplies. In addition to the fatalities, four truck drivers who went missing during the ambush were later found tortured and killed in the Erwali area of Lower Kurram.
Security Forces Respond
The attack resulted in the death of a Pakistani soldier and the deaths of six attackers in retaliatory action by security forces. However, on Friday, authorities confirmed that another security personnel succumbed to injuries sustained during the assault.
Security forces quickly responded to the attack, ensuring that the rest of the convoy was safely evacuated. The vehicles that were not destroyed continued on their route and reached a point of safety after crossing Chapri. Four vehicles were damaged during the attack.
Curfew Imposed and Rising Tensions
In response to the violence, a curfew has been enforced in the region, with security forces stationed in key areas and conducting patrols. The attack has further highlighted the growing instability in Lower Kurram, where terrorist activities have escalated in recent months. Areas such as Bagan, Char Khel, Mandori, and Ochut have seen increasing violence, adding to the already tense situation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial government has reportedly decided to launch an operation to restore public order in the district. The recent unrest, which began last November with an attack on a passenger van convoy, has also worsened the humanitarian crisis in the area. While a peace agreement was reached on January 1, the route to Parachinar remains blocked.
This recent attack has compounded the challenges faced by the people of Kurram, where violence continues to disrupt daily life and hinder the delivery of essential aid to those in need.
Sources By Agencies
