KURRAM: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered the evacuation of four villages in Lower Kurram as security forces prepare for a large-scale operation against armed groups following Monday’s deadly ambush on a relief convoy, which has now claimed nine lives.
A Parachinar-bound convoy carrying essential supplies was attacked in Mandori, Ochat, Charkhel, and Bagan, killing five security personnel and injuring over 20 people, including five drivers.
In response to the attack, helicopter gunships bombarded militant hideouts in the mountainous region. Meanwhile, Colonel Haider, commander of the Kurram Militia, survived an ambush, although three military vehicles were damaged.
Security forces reported that in addition to the five fallen personnel, a driver, a civilian, and two attackers were also killed. The attack left five more security personnel and five drivers wounded.
According to police reports, the assailants looted goods from 35 trucks, setting 19 of them on fire after stealing supplies.
In a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, authorities decided to:
Evacuate four villages—Ochat, Manduri, Dadkamar, and Bagan—to prevent civilian casualties during upcoming military operations.
List suspected militants under Schedule IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and announce bounties for their capture.
Suspend compensation payments to victims of violence.
Continue dismantling illegal bunkers and disarm the tribal district to restore order.
The government also urged peace committees to take an active role in maintaining stability.
MNA Engineer Hamid Hussain condemned repeated breaches of the peace agreement, criticizing the government’s lack of enforcement.
At a news conference in Parachinar, peace jirga leaders claimed that a warring faction had violated the truce 18 times in two months, yet no punitive action had been taken.
The funeral prayers for four martyred security personnel were held at the Thall Scouts headquarters, attended by civil and military officials. Their remains were later sent to their hometowns.
As tensions escalate, the government faces mounting pressure to restore peace, protect civilians, and hold perpetrators accountable in Kurram.
