A total of 19 trucks carrying aid for Parachinar were looted and later burned by militants near Bagan in Lower Kurram on Thursday, the president of the local trade union told Khabar Kada. The attack on the convoy has also led to at least five deaths among drivers and security personnel. Response from security forces killed at least one terrorist, while seven were injured.

A total of 35 trucks had set off for Parachinar just before noon on Thursday carrying food items and medicines. It was the third convoy of aid to the region which has been isolated from the rest of the country due to an armed conflict between Shia and Sunni tribes for over three months.

However, the convoy came under attack on the way near Bagan, leading to several trucks being looted. Other trucks had to turn around back to Thall for their safety.

An initial investigation by the district administration said that the attack began at 1 pm and continued for five hours until the terrorists were repelled by force. The administration said that ‘hundreds’ of terrorists participated in the attack and were armed with rocket launchers. The administration has also issued some photos of the attackers.

However, leaders from the trader union told a slightly different version of the story. According to trader leader Haji Rauf, the looting began at 12:30 pm and continued late into the night. He added that at least 19 trucks were taken to different locations where their cargo was looted.

Rauf also said that three truck drivers were brutally killed while several others are still missing.

The attack occurred while the convoy of trucks was being escorted by security forces. As the trucks came under attack, the security forces responded with fire and claimed to kill seven terrorists. However, Khabar Kada’s correspondent was only able to verify the death of one terrorist while seven others were injured.

Meanwhile, traders expressed dissatisfaction with the armed response from the security forces against the terrorists. Rauf added that shelling had been conducted from helicopters to disperse the terrorists but only till the security detail protecting the convoy was evacuated.

The district administration said that security forces had been restrained in their response due to the proximity of the urban population.

At least two security personnel were also killed in the attack, while two others were injured. The funeral prayers for the deceased, who belonged to Hunza and Orakzai, were offered at the Thall Scouts. Their bodies were then sent off to their home districts.

In response to the attack in Bagan, All Goods Carrier Association Peshawar has asked transporters to stop operating in Parachinar until further notice due to the prevailing security situation. The Association has notified transporters and truck owners that they will not be responsible for the death of any driver or the burning of ay truck.

Hopes for peace and normalcy in Kurram had risen after a jirga brokered an agreement among the warring tribes in early January. The agreement allowed for two trucks of aid to be carried into the district and some bunkers were also demolished. However, the latest attack once again risks suspending the slow trickle of aid into Kurram.