Sunni and Shia Muslims are in conflict in the region over a dispute over land.[1] Half of the population of the Kurram region are Shia Muslims, while the majority of Pakistan are Sunni Muslims.[2]
Four gunmen emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on a convoy of over 200 vehicles containing Shia Muslims traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar along a remote highway. The gunmen initially targeted police escort vehicles, who were assigned to protect the convoy due to prior instances of sectarian violence on roadways, before firing on the passengers.[3] Additional attackers reportedly fired from nearby farm fields.[4]
The assault lasted approximately 40 minutes, claiming the lives of over 38 men, five children and eight women, while leaving dozens of victims in critical condition at local hospitals. No group initially claimed responsibility for the attack.[4][5]
Conflict
The attack triggered renewed sectarian clashes in Kurram. Rioters in the villages of Bagan and Bacha Kot set fire to shops, houses and government buildings.[6] Protesters in Parachinar set ablaze two police checkpoints.[7] Internet was shut down, mobile services were suspended, schools were closed and a severe medicine and food shortage occurred after the attack.[8] Reports emerged of intense gunfire in Lower Kurram Agency between the Alizai and Bagan tribes.[6][9]
By 28 November, 110 people had been killed in fighting across Kurram[9] with an additional 150 being wounded as well as over 300 shops and 100 houses being razed.[10][11] The death toll had risen to 133 by 3 December, with 177 being wounded.[12][13]
Local Shia leaders criticized authorities for failing to provide adequate security despite recent threats against the Shia community. Several shop owners in Parachinar went on strike in protest against regional violence.[14][16]
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Former Sipah-e-Sahaba members
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