A convoy of vehicles traveling to Parachinar in the Kurram tribal district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of eight drivers and two security personnel. Five security personnel were also injured in the attack. In a subsequent counter-offensive, authorities reported killing six attackers and wounding ten more. However, five drivers remain missing.

The attack occurred yesterday in the Bagan area of Kurram, according to police. Unidentified assailants targeted the convoy, leading to the casualties. District authorities confirmed that six attackers were killed and ten wounded during a counter-attack.

Separately, four bodies were discovered in the Urdowali area of Lower Kurram. Police reported that the victims had been tortured and then shot. Four of the bodies were identified as those of drivers, and were transferred to the Lower Kurram Alizai Hospital.

Haji Imdad, a traders’ leader, stated that three drivers are still missing. Of a convoy of 35 trucks, only two have returned to their destination. More than ten trucks were looted and burned, with goods worth billions of rupees stolen from over 30 trucks.

A member of the Grand Jirga expressed concern that the attack undermines ongoing peace efforts and represents a breach of a peace agreement. The Jirga members described the road closures and attacks as deeply distressing. District authorities stated that efforts to maintain peace are ongoing.

Sajid Turi, a former federal minister, criticized the government’s silence on the incident, highlighting the large population affected by the road closures. He called the repeated attacks on convoys and passenger vehicles unacceptable and expressed dissatisfaction with the counter-offensive.

Jalal Bangash, a leader of the Turi Bangash tribe, gave the government three days to deliver justice. He warned that if action isn’t taken against the terrorists, the government will be held accountable for any further consequences.

Several hours after the incident, the provincial government remained silent and has yet to issue a statement.