Militants among 30 arrested in Kurram operation

PARACHINAR/KOHAT: A large-scale operation has been launched by police and security forces in parts of Lower Kurram, a senior police official said on Thursday.

“The operation has been launched in Bagan, Charkhel, Dad Kamar, Manduri, Ochat, and other adjoining areas,” confirmed Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed Marwat, while speaking to the media.

Marwat, who was present in the tribal district, said 18 terrorists and 12 facilitators had been arrested so far. In addition, he said, all drivers stranded in the area had been safely escorted to Tall Fort.

The senior cop said security forces had recovered the looted goods from five houses, leading to the arrest of five individuals. He said the operation was launched after an incident three days ago in which over 30 trucks in a convoy heading to Parachinar were looted.

The attackers set 19 of these trucks on fire, prompting immediate action from law enforcement.

The KP government later announced bounties on wanted terrorists, and raids were being conducted in Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu and Kohat to apprehend them.

Marwat stated that terrorists had also targeted the convoy of the Kurram Militia Commandant in Manduri, resulting in casualties among security personnel.

A house-to-house search operation was underway, along with searches in mountainous areas.

Authorities want to clear the Kohat-Parachinar road for safe travel soon after the completion of the operation.