Religious Violence Erupts In Pakistan’s Khyber, 18 Dead After Militant Attack

Around 18 people have been killed and 30 others injured in religious clashes between rival tribes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, over the past 24 hours, local police reported. The violence erupted in the Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, following an attack on Thursday targeting a convoy of passenger vans that resulted in 47 fatalities.

The fighting between the Alizai and Bagan tribes has intensified with gunfire continuing across multiple areas, including Balishkhel, Khar Kali, Kunj Alizai, and Maqbal. The tribes are reportedly using heavy and automatic weapons, further fueling the deadly confrontation. While official sources report 18 deaths, independent outlets claim the toll exceeds 30.

The clashes have led to significant damage, with homes and shops destroyed, and many residents fleeing to safer locations. In response to the escalating violence, all educational institutions in the district were closed on Saturday, according to Muhammad Hayat Hassan, chairman of the Private Education Network.

The unrest follows an earlier attack on Thursday when militants fired upon over 50 passenger vehicles traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. Six vehicles were directly hit, resulting in the deaths of 47 people, including women and children. Most of the victims were from the Shia community, police officials confirmed.

The ongoing violence in the region highlights the fragile security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province plagued by sectarian and militant-related tensions.