Fresh tribal clash in Kurram District Leaves 18 Dead, 30 Injured
According to police, intense exchanges of gunfire took place in Lower Kurram, where the two tribes targeted each other using heavy weaponry. PHOTO: FILE
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram district, tribal clashes have resulted in at least 18 fatalities and left 30 others wounded.
According to the police, the exchange of fire took place in the Lower Kurram area, where the two tribes used heavy weaponry against each other. The intense fighting has exacerbated the security situation in the region.
In response to the escalating violence, Mohammad Hayat Hassan, Chairman of the Private Education Network, confirmed that all educational institutions in Kurram have been closed due to the worsening conditions.
This latest incident follows a similar attack two days ago, when gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles in different parts of Kurram, killing 45 people, including six women and five children.
The situation in the area remains tense, with local authorities working to restore order.
Residents of the district held demonstrations to demand justice and condemn the massacre, but these protests were marred by violence yesterday.
In Kohat, protesters stoned passenger vehicles and ambulances, set a pickup truck on fire, and left the driver severely injured. Traffic between Kohat and Hangu was disrupted, causing long queues, and police were deployed to control the unrest.
Demonstrators prayed for the victims and called on the government to restore law and order, while criticizing its failure to maintain peace in the region.
Attack on helicopter:
The latest deadly clash took place around the same time unidentified gunmen opened fire on a helicopter carrying a high-level K-P government delegation to Parachinar city of the province's Kurram district.
The delegation, including KP Law Minister Aftab Alam, the Chief Secretary, Kohat Division Commissioner, and senior police officials, was en route to address security concerns and restore peace in the region.
Fortunately, the helicopter made a safe landing, and no injuries were reported.
The delegation was traveling on the orders of K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had directed the revival of a traditional jirga to promote stability in Kurram as part of ongoing efforts to restore law and order in the area.