Counter-terrorism operation launched in Kurram, Pakistan

The Pakistani government has launched a counter-terrorism operation against militants blocking the road to the area of Parachinar, the largest city in the tribal area in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Daily Times reported on January 21.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has reportedly approved "indiscriminate and decisive action" against all militants responsible for attacks on government humanitarian convoys and the wounding of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud.

According to the news agency, a curfew has been imposed in the Lower Kurram district. Some local residents have left their homes, while others have been temporarily relocated to neighboring areas. The government has set up temporary accommodation camps for residents with a capacity of 1,500 to 3,000 families.

Earlier, full-scale hostilities between two warring clans unfolded in Lower Kurram. From November to December, the sides lost more than 150 people who were killed in clashes. Moreover, during this period, two government convoys under police escort were attacked. More than 40 people were killed in these attacks.

The clan war resulted in a complete land blockade of the district with a population of up to 500,000 people, who were unable to receive food, medicine or essential goods for more than 100 days. This caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the district.

The government only managed to achieve a truce between the parties on January 1, but the humanitarian convoy sent on January 4 was again attacked by fighters near the village of Baggan, located on the only road to Parachinar.

A second convoy of 35 trucks sent to the same district on January 16 was also attacked and looted.

In retaliation, the Pakistani government promised to launch a counter-terrorism operation in the district.