A fresh attack on a convoy travelling towards Parachinar in Lower Kurram left one driver and a security official martyred, while 15 others, including four drivers and one police officer, were injured.

The assailants looted the trucks before setting them on fire.

The attack occurred in the areas of Char Khail, Uchit Baghan, and Mandori.

Armed militants opened fire on the trucks carrying food and other supplies, under the supervision of security forces.

The injured also included women and children who were caught in the crossfire.

Driver Gul Faraz explained that the attackers made announcements from mosques, urging people to loot vehicles and take the plunder.

Following the assault, more than 35 vehicles were trapped in the area, though 9 vehicles safely reached Alizai, while 20 others were sent back to Tull, with most of them stripped of their cargo.

The traders’ unions, including leaders Haji Imdad Ali, Haji Safir, and Waseem Hussain, condemned the incident in a press conference, calling the looting and burning of vehicles unacceptable.

They demanded action against the perpetrators, expressing concern over the recurring attacks in the area.

Haji Imdad claimed that after security forces withdrew, the attackers were able to loot and burn the vehicles without opposition.

Driver Akram Khan shared that locals had been firing at them, and multiple drivers are still reported missing.

Tribal leader Jalal Bangash condemned the terrorist act, describing it as an attempt to sabotage peace efforts.

He called for the reopening of the Tull-Parachinar road on a permanent basis and urged the government to not further test the patience of the already beleaguered locals.

In response to the attack, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has taken notice and decided to take strong action.

Barrister Saif, a government spokesperson, confirmed that a detailed review of the situation had been conducted in a cabinet meeting, and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed strict measures.

Barrister Saif stated that the government would not allow any elements to disrupt peace, and efforts to restore peace through a grand tribal jirga agreement are already in progress.

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Meanwhile, the process of dismantling the bunkers of conflicting parties under the Kohat peace agreement to ensure peace in Kurram was under way.

So far, 117 bunkers have been dismantled in the areas of Balash Khel and Khar Kali in Lower Kurram while 66 have been demolished in the villages of Piwar and Teri Mengal in Upper Kurram. In total, 183 bunkers have been destroyed across the district.

The deputy commissioner has emphasised that “full implementation” of the peace agreement would be ensured and all bunkers within the district would be demolished to maintain stability in the region.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.