Six terrorists killed as security forces repulse attack on Kurram aid convoy

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KARRAM: Security personnel foiled an attempt to disrupt peace in Kurram, killing 6 terrorists and injuring 10 after an attack on a relief convoy carrying essential supplies to the violence-hit district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“One soldier was martyred and four others injured in the attack,” Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ali said, adding that three vehicles in the relief convoy were damaged.

He added that in response, the security forces gave a befitting reply to the attackers, killing six terrorists and injuring 10 others.

Security sources told Geo News that the attackers targeted the convoy today, firing heavily on cargo trucks carrying medicines, vegetables, fruits and other food items.

He further said that the terrorists escaped from the spot after suffering heavy casualties due to the timely retaliatory action of the security forces and the police. He said that a search operation was also conducted to eliminate any other terrorists in the affected area.

Sources confirmed that 10 vehicles have safely reached Alizai, a town in Kurram district, while the remaining vehicles have been stopped due to security reasons.

It was a major setback for the peace deal that finally allowed aid to flow into the restive region, which has been in the spotlight for months after a wave of tribal violence that left more than 130 people dead and 100 days in prison. More roads were closed.

According to the district administration, the incident took place when the first leg of the third relief convoy was going to Kuram through Bagan with 35 cargo vehicles.

According to Geo News, the vehicles of the convoy have since started returning to Tal. Meanwhile, the cargo trucks that were at the Chapri post are also returning.

The administration said that after today, additional vehicles will leave for Karam in the second phase.

The authorities deployed police, Frontier Corps (FC) and other security forces to ensure the safety of the convoy.

Difficulties for patients

Meanwhile, the helicopter service for transferring patients from Karam has been suspended for the last 10 days due to which the patients in the area are facing severe difficulties.

District Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Mir Hussain Jan while talking to Geo News confirmed that the helicopter service, which is crucial for transporting medicines and patients, has been stopped for the past 10 days.

He said that the district administration has already sent a letter requesting to resume the service.

Dr. John further revealed that the district administration was requested to transfer 74 patients, as it is not possible to transfer patients by road in the current situation.

However, KP Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Adnan Qadri claimed that the helicopter service to Karam district is continuing.

‘not good enough’

The government has so far sent two consignments of aid to Karam in the last two weeks, the latest of which will reach the tribal area on January 14.

Meanwhile, residents said the 25 truckloads of supplies were “not good enough” and urged the government to ensure the supply of medicines and resume heli service to transport patients in need of advanced treatment.

However, the district administration reiterated its efforts to open the roads and allow more relief convoys to pass through.

Additionally, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan said that four bunkers have been removed so far as per the agreement and more bunkers will be removed in Kurram.

“Efforts are on to implement all provisions of the peace agreement,” he added.

Kurram has been reeling for months after a wave of tribal violence erupted in November 2024, killing more than 130 people and blocking roads for more than 100 days.

However, a peace agreement was reached between the warring tribes through negotiations with the support of the Grand Jirga, Karam Aman Committee and local peace groups.

These negotiations led to an agreement to remove barriers and allow the transportation of relief supplies in accordance with a 14-point agreement agreed by tribal elders.

However, the situation remains alarming.