DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
With the recovery of the bodies of four drivers missing on Friday, the death toll in the attack on a relief convoy in Bagan area of Kurram district rose to eight, including two security personnel, the administration said. Kurram district.
He said more than 100 assailants attacked the convoy carrying relief supplies to Parachinar via Bagan on Thursday afternoon. Kurram additional deputy commissioner (ADC) said the attackers fired rockets and used automatic weapons which damaged three vehicles.
After the attack that lasted five hours, five drivers disappeared. Of them, four bodies were recovered, while the whereabouts of one driver are still unknown. The bodies of the slain drivers were shifted to Alizai Hospital in lower Kurram.
However, a local police officer, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, puts the death toll in the attack at 10: two security officers, four drivers and four civilians. The officer said as many as six drivers were kidnapped.
In retaliatory firing by security forces, the ADC said, all six attackers were killed. He added that the convoy of 35 vehicles, carrying relief supplies such as medicines, vegetables, fruits and other edible items, was escorted by police, FC and other security forces.
The latest violent incident stoked fear and uncertainty in the district. Following the incident, the process of dismantling the bunkers has been stopped for the moment, while the supply of essential items has been suspended.
Meanwhile, the district administration had released the photographs of the attackers and security forces launched an operation to arrest them. Likewise, funeral prayers of two martyred security personnel were offered at Thal Scouts, after which the bodies were sent to their ancestral areas.
Kurram has been plagued by violence for decades, but around 150 people have been killed in a new round of fighting since November. A peace agreement was negotiated between the warring tribes a few days ago, but the recent attack left questions about the effectiveness of the agreement.
(WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AFP)
