15 people killed and dozens injured in tribal clashes in northwestern Pakistan

ISLAMABAD

At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured in new tribal clashes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a local official said on Saturday.

Clashes in the Kurram region, near the border with Afghanistan, broke out late Friday after unidentified attackers attacked passenger minibuses on Thursday.

Local government official Wazir Ali told Anadolu Agency by phone, “Intense fire has been continuing between the two tribal groups since last night. Nearly 15 people died from both sides and more than 30 people were injured.”

The number of people killed in the attack on a passenger minibus on Thursday has risen to 45, while the other 16 people are still receiving treatment in hospitals.

In response to the escalating violence, local authorities imposed a curfew, suspended mobile services and closed schools and businesses in remote areas of Kurram district.

Deputy Commissioner Javidullah Mehsud told local journalists that efforts were on to convene a tribal council, or jirga, to mediate and prevent further violence.

Tribal conflicts have occurred many times in recent months in the Kurram region on the border with Afghanistan. In September, 46 people died in the conflict in the same region, but tribal leaders managed to broker a ceasefire.

Another violent dispute over land ownership in Kurram in early July left 43 people dead and 180 injured during intense clashes.

The latest spate of violence comes after local tribes blocked roads in the region for more than two weeks earlier this month, further complicating tensions in the region.

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