Eleven people have been killed and eight injured, including women and children, in tribal clashes in northwestern Pakistan’s Kurram district, following a shooting incident between rival tribes. The recent violence has disrupted efforts for peace in the region, with elders arriving to mediate a truce.
The province has been tense following clashes last month between Shia and Sunni Muslims over a land dispute, resulting in the deaths of 25 people. Kurram has a history of tensions between the two groups, despite living together largely peacefully.
In a separate incident, the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for an attack on a coal mine in Dukki district that killed 21 people. The separatist group accused Pakistani security personnel of disguising themselves as workers. The BLA demands the military withdraw from the region and threatens further assaults unless their demands are met.
The Balochistan province is known for various armed movements, with the BLA being a prominent group. They accuse the central government of exploiting the province’s resources to the detriment of the local population. The group was recently involved in an attack targeting Chinese nationals near Pakistan’s largest airport, resulting in casualties and damage.
Tensions remain high in both regions, with efforts ongoing to restore peace and address the underlying issues leading to violence. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in addressing conflicts and grievances in various parts of the country.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
