ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Amid escalating security concerns, authorities have ordered the evacuation of four villages in Lower Kurram to ensure the safety of residents. The district administration announced that residents from Ochit, Manduri, Dad Kumar, and Bagan must leave their homes, highlighting the urgent need to protect both lives and property in the area.
This evacuation follows the relocation of six families to Hangu , who are temporarily staying with relatives as tensions continue to rise. Authorities have indicated that once the villages are cleared, they will launch search operations to enhance security in the region.
The move comes amid a surge in violence in Lower Kurram, which has seen multiple attacks on vehicles and convoys in recent weeks. The region, which has long been plagued by conflict, has witnessed particularly deadly violence since November last year, when two separate convoys under police escort were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 40 people.
In addition to the attacks, the violence has caused major disruptions, including prolonged road closures that have isolated Kurram from the rest of the country. This isolation has led to severe shortages of food and medicine, contributing to even more deaths. The fighting has claimed the lives of over 150 people, making the current situation even more dire.
Efforts toward peace have been made, with a ceasefire brokered by the government and military that requires conflicting parties to surrender their weapons and dismantle bunkers. Despite this agreement, violence persists, with recent attacks targeting key officials. Earlier this week, a convoy was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of five security personnel and four drivers, while 20 others, including both security officers and drivers, were injured. The attack also involved the looting and burning of trucks, with 36 trucks looted and 19 set on fire.
Last month, another convoy carrying essential supplies for local traders was attacked, leading to the deaths of at least eight people, including civilians and security personnel. In response, security forces killed six of the assailants.
As the violence continues, authorities are ramping up security measures in an attempt to curb the ongoing instability in Lower Kurram. With the region grappling with both security and humanitarian challenges, the situation remains tense, and the need for lasting peace is more urgent than ever.
