Unknown miscreants on Monday attacked a convoy of relief goods in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) killing at least one security personnel and injuring five others including a minor child, three drivers and a policeman.
The attackers also looted 25 of the vehicles and later set fire to them. In retaliatory action, security forces used helicopter gunships but the miscreants managed to escape.
According to district authorities, a convoy of 130 vehicles, including five oil tankers and trucks carrying food supplies and medicines, was traveling from Thall to Parachinar.
This convoy was attacked by unidentified armed assailants near Char Khel in the Bagan area. The attackers used both light and heavy weapons.
As a result of the attack, one security personnel was martyred, while a police constable, three drivers, and a young girl were among the five people injured.
The injured were identified as Jamil Ahmed, Hidayat Khan, and Tasleem Khan. These people as well as a police officer in critical condition were shifted to Thall for medical treatment.
During the assault, security forces launched a strong counterattack, and helicopter gunships also fired at the assailants, forcing them to flee. According to sources, 25 vehicles from the convoy were looted, and the empty vehicles were set on fire.
Kurram deputy commissioner said security forces had been deployed in response to the attack. He stated that rest of the vehicles in the convoy are safe and continuing toward their destination. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt peace.
The process of demolishing bunkers in Kurram district continues, adding that so far, 183 bunkers have been dismantled. The full implementation of the peace agreement would be ensured, he said.
Meanwhile, K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur presided over a provincial cabinet meeting which took serious notice of the attack on the convoy in Kurram.
CM's Adviser on Information Barrister Muhammad Saif stated that the cabinet meeting reviewed the overall situation in Kurram and was briefed on the implementation of the provincial government's decisions for sustainable peace in Kurram district.
"Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed strict action against the elements responsible for disrupting peace, emphasizing that no one will be allowed to sabotage stability. He said some miscreants are making malicious attempts to create unrest, but firm action will be taken against them," he said.
The adviser said the provincial government is handling the centuries-old conflict with great patience. "Peace agreements have been reached between both parties through a grand jirga.
The process of demolishing bunkers to restore peace is being carried out swiftly, and the public is urged to support the administration and the government in maintaining peace," he added.
Since October last year, 189 people have lost their lives in various incidents of unrest in Kurram.
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