Fresh fighting erupted in four locations after brief lull in hostilities
Around 300 families displaced, mobile networks down and highway closed
Seven bodies recovered during brief pause before gunfire resumed
Deadly sectarian violence resumed on Tuesday in Pakistan's northwestern Kurram district after a brief ceasefire collapsed, leaving dozens dead and forcing residents to flee, local officials said.
Kaleem Shah, a senior police official, confirmed to Nukta that clashes erupted in four locations including Alizai, Bagan, Khar Kaly and Baleech Khel.
"Police will visit spots as firing stops," Shah said, noting that intense fighting has prevented authorities from reaching many areas.
Bodies remain uncollected in the streets due to the intensity of the fighting.
Local journalist Rehan Mohammad reported that during a momentary pause in fighting, seven bodies were recovered before heavy weapons fire resumed.
"The 7 day ceasefire claimed by the government is a drama, actually there is no ceasefire at all," Mohammad said.
The fighting has prompted around 300 families to flee their homes. Mobile networks remain suspended across Kurram district and the main highway is closed to traffic.
Death toll 75, more critically wounded
The ongoing violence began November 21 when attackers ambushed a convoy of passenger vehicles in Lower Kurram. The attack targeting the Shia community was reportedly in retaliation for an earlier assault on October 12.
Since then, the death toll has risen to at least 87 as critically wounded victims succumbed to their injuries, officials said, with 156 others wounded in the ensuing clashes, reported AFP.
Screen grabs from videos depicting violence from sectarian clashes in Kurram, Pakistan.
Nukta
At least 45 people were killed in attacks on passenger vehicles, while over 30 others are believed dead in subsequent clashes, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed.
No easy solutions
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi's attempts at peace negotiations were complicated Saturday when his helicopter came under fire while landing in the region. No injuries were reported.
Pakistani soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint in Parachinar, capital of the Kurram district, on January 22, 2017.
AFP
The region has seen recurring sectarian violence since summer. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported 79 people died in similar clashes between July and October.
The area, formerly part of Pakistan's tribal regions, was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2018 but continues to face governance challenges.
*Reporting by Kamran Ali
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