At least 38 killed in sectarian attacks in Pakistan’s Kurram

Last update:November 21, 2024, 6:39 PM IST

Sunni and Shiite Muslim tribes have been engaged in intermittent fighting for several months in Kurram.

A police officer confirmed the latest toll, speaking on condition of anonymity. (File)

Gunmen in northeastern Pakistan killed at least 38 people in two attacks on Thursday, officials said, adding that the incidents were linked to sectarian violence that has claimed dozens of lives in recent months.

“Two separate Shiite convoys … were targeted by terrorists in Kurram district,” Javed ullah Mehsud, a senior administration official, told AFP.

“The death toll has now risen to 38 and 11 others were injured in both attacks,” he said, reviewing an earlier toll.

“Initial reports confirm that the victims include six women, several children and police officers,” he added.

“Around 10 attackers were involved in both incidents, firing indiscriminately from both sides of the road.”

A police officer confirmed the latest toll, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Both convoys consisted of around 40 vehicles traveling under police escort,” he told AFP.

Mehsud said “women and children sought refuge in local houses and we are currently searching for (the attackers) in the area.”

“Initial reports suggest it was the same sectarian issue that has plagued the region for months,” he said in an earlier statement, adding that most of the victims were Shiites.

Sunni and Shiite Muslim tribes have been engaged in intermittent fighting for months in Kurram, in the mountainous northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In October, at least 16 people, including three women and two children, were killed in a sectarian clash in the district.

Previous clashes in July and September killed dozens and ended only after a jirga, or tribal council, called a ceasefire.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)

Location:

Islamabad, Pakistan