Gunmen Kill 38 in Ambush on Passenger Convoy in Kurram District

Peshawar, The Gulf Observer: At least 38 people were killed, and several others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack occurred on Thursday when a convoy, traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, came under heavy fire in the Ochut area, a remote location in the region.

According to local police, the attackers, positioned on surrounding hills, unleashed a barrage of automatic gunfire at the convoy, hitting several vehicles. Authorities confirmed the death toll, which included 38 victims, one of whom was a woman. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may rise.

Medical teams were swiftly deployed to the area and transported the wounded to nearby hospitals for treatment.

In response to the attack, the provincial government has increased security in the region, deploying additional forces and establishing a perimeter around Ochut. Search operations are ongoing as authorities continue their investigation into the ambush.

The motivations behind the attack remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, condemned the attack and confirmed the death toll of 38. He further emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing rising terrorism in the region, engaging with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to enhance efforts in the fight against terrorism.

CM Gandapur condemned the attack and called for stronger coordination on security issues. He instructed provincial officials to visit Kurram to monitor the situation and provide a detailed report on the incident.

President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act targeting innocent civilians. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable for this tragedy.