Another convoy carrying essential goods dispatched to Kurram

As many as 61 vehicles with food supplies entered Kurram district today, says DPO HANGU: Another relief convoy loaded with food and essential supplies has been sent to Kurram from Torpul check post in Talu, the district administration said on Wednesday. According to officials, there were 45 trucks carrying goods in the convoy. District police officer Muhammad Khalid said another shipment containing 16 trucks was dispatched to the crisis-hit region later in the day. A total of 61 vehicles carrying food supplies entered Kurram district today, confirmed DPO Khalid. He said that the goods supply operation was closely monitored by Kohat Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed and Kohat Commissioner to ensure smooth and safe transportation of goods. Kurram has been wracked by violence for decades, but about 150 people have been killed in a new round of fighting that began in November last year, when two separate convoys traveling under police escort were ambushed, killing 40 people. The security situation in the region has created an acute shortage of goods and medicines, causing serious inconvenience to the locals. The recent wave of tribal violence culminated in a peace deal between elders of the two warring tribes after protracted negotiations earlier this month, followed by the delivery of essential goods to the conflict-hit area. However, Nichemos continued to attack aid convoys. Last week, terrorists ambushed a convoy of 35 vehicles supplying rice, flour, cooking oil and basic medicines to local traders in the restive territory, killing at least 8 people, including security personnel, drivers and civilians. The retaliatory action of the security forces resulted in the killing of six attackers. Separately, the district administration said targeted intelligence-based operations were underway in the Bagan area. These operations involve the coordinated efforts of civil administration, police and security forces. A significant number of illegal weapons were found during the actions, according to the district administration. The operations received extensive support and cooperation from local tribes and residents. Officials stressed that the effort is a key step in maintaining peace and eradicating crime in the district. Under the peace accord, miscreants will be dealt with strictly without any discrimination, they confirmed.