15 killed, 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 district, near the border with Afghanistan, broke out late Friday after an attack on passenger cars by unidentified attackers on Thursday.

“Heavy firing continues between the two tribal groups since last night. About 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured on both sides, Wazir Ali, a local administration official, told Anadolu by phone.

The death toll from Thursday’s passenger van attack has risen to 45, with 16 others still in hospital.

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

Deputy Commissioner Javidullah Mehsud told local reporters that efforts were underway to convene a tribal meeting, or jirga, to mediate and prevent further violence.

In recent months, there have been repeated tribal clashes in the Kurram district bordering Afghanistan. In September, conflict in the same region left 46 people dead, although tribal elders managed to negotiate a ceasefire.

In early July, another violent land ownership dispute in Kurram left 43 people dead and 180 injured in intense fighting.

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

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