In the aftermath of a deadly ambush in Lower Kurram’s Bagan area, the authorities are preparing for a military operation against militants. Temporary displacement camps (TDPs) are being set up for civilians affected by the violence.
A notification from the Deputy Commissioner announced the designated locations for these camps in Thall and Hangu. Facilities like Thal Degree College, Technical College, and Rescue and Court buildings will be used. The district administration has contacted provincial relief agencies to expedite the camp arrangements.
The ambush targeted a convoy traveling to Parachinar. The attack claimed the lives of six drivers and two security personnel. Additionally, five security personnel sustained injuries. In a retaliatory operation, officials reported killing six attackers and injuring ten others, while ten militants remain unaccounted for.
In a separate incident, four bodies were discovered in the Urawali area of Lower Kurram. The victims, all drivers, bore signs of torture and execution-style killings. Police confirmed that the bodies were moved to the Lower Kurram Alizai Hospital.
The recent wave of violence in Kurram has overshadowed peace efforts. A member of the Grand Jirga, a tribal council, voiced concerns about the Bagan attack’s impact on the recently signed peace agreement. Jirga representatives highlighted the stress caused by road closures and recurring attacks. Despite the unrest, the district administration has emphasized its ongoing commitment to maintaining peace.
The Grand Jirga had recently brokered a peace agreement in Lower Kurram. The pact included terms like compensating damages, surrendering heavy weaponry, removing unauthorized checkpoints, and preventing the tribal conflict from taking a religious turn. The latest events have significantly undermined these peace initiatives.
