A security operation in Lower Kurram has resulted in the arrest of at least 30 individuals suspected of involvement in last week’s deadly attack on a supply convoy, police announced Thursday. 

The operation, conducted by police and security forces in Bagan, Charkhel, Dad Kamar, Mandori, Ochat, and surrounding areas, led to the apprehension of 18 suspected militants and 12 facilitators. Authorities also recovered looted goods from five houses, resulting in additional arrests.

The attack on Monday targeted a convoy of over 60 trucks carrying food supplies to Kurram, resulting in the looting and vandalism of 19 trucks and the loss of five security personnel and one driver. 

Kohat Regional Police Officer Abbas Majid Marwat stated that house-to-house searches are ongoing, and operations continue in mountainous areas. He confirmed that all drivers stranded in the area have been brought to Thall. Following the operation, the Thall-Parachinar Road, closed for five months due to ongoing conflict, has been reopened to traffic.

The road closure has caused significant hardship for Kurram residents, with traders reporting widespread looting of goods intended for the holy month of Ramadan. Haji Imdad, a trader leader, highlighted substantial losses for businesses and severe food shortages for the population. Traders have appealed for an emergency relief package for the estimated 500,000 affected people, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis if aid is not swiftly provided.

Meanwhile, residents of Bagan and Mandori staged a sit-in, demanding aid and the arrest of those responsible for the attacks. Tribal leader Haji Karim stated the protest will continue until their demands are met. The district administration reported that six families have already left the area, and that the implementation of the Kohat peace agreement continues, with 194 bunkers destroyed in Kurram district so far.