2007 Kurram Agency conflict

Sectarian conflict in Pakistan 2007 Kurram Agency conflict the War in North-West Pakistan and Sectarian violence in Pakistan 6 April13 April 2007(04 6 2007 04 13 2007) Kurram Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan Victory For Pakistan and local Shia tribesmen as Pakistani Taliban militants lost their stronghold and fled to Afghanistan following military operations. Tariq Saeed Operation Rah-e-Nijat, 38 more militants killed. The Pakistan Observer Pakistan HURMAT GROUP December 17, 2009 http://pakobserver.net/200912/17/news/topstories11.asp February 25, 2010 June 15, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100615172535/http://pakobserver.net/200912/17/news/topstories11.asp dead Siege of Parachinar broken Shia militants claim victory and request for the Pakistan Army to move in later on Kurram Agency becomes a stronghold for Shia militantsDozens killed in sectarian clashes in northwestern Pakistan Takfiri Sunni villages on fire as Shia groups revenge call amid attack on shia pilgrims 23 November 2024 https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20241123-dozens-killed-in-sectarian-clashes-between-shiite-sunni-muslims-in-northwestern-pakistan 23 November 2024https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11486528 The Pakistani tribe that is taking on the Pakistani Taliban and ISIS in Northwestern Pakistan 21 October 2010 BBC 9 August 2017 The Pakistani Taliban and their allies experience heavy losses2018-07-13 Death takfiris from Kurram's sectarian past https://dailytimes.com.pk/267471/ghosts-from-kurrams-sectarian-past/ 2021-05-25 Daily Times en-US Pakistan Army captures strongholds of Sunni militants2018-07-13 Death takfiris from Kurram's sectarian past https://dailytimes.com.pk/267471/ghosts-from-kurrams-sectarian-past/ 2021-05-25 Daily Times en-UShttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11486528 The Pakistani tribe that is taking on the Taliban 21 October 2010 BBC 9 August 2017 Military offensives Operation Khwakh Ba De Sham and Operation Koh-e-Sufaid initiated by the Pakistan Army against the Pakistani TalibanZulfiqar Ali 6 August 2012 South Waziristan operation: Only Sararogha cleared in three years https://www.dawn.com/news/740145/south-waziristan-operation-only-sararogha-cleared-in-3-years DawnOperation Koh-e-Sufaid: Kayani visits Kurram to mark end of campaign https://tribune.com.pk/story/234290/operation-koh-e-sufaid-concludes-in-kurram-agency/ 2011-08-18 The Express Tribune 2018-04-09 Karachi, Pakistan Sporadic fighting continues in Kurram Agency between Shia and Sunni militants, escalations into direct conflict between the two sects in 2023 and 2024.Recent news stories on conflict A 14-point peace agreement was signed in 2025 by tribal elders and community leaders under the auspices of a government-backed Grand Peace Jirga.Warring tribes in Kurram agree to peace deal https://tribune.com.pk/story/2519469/kurram-secures-peace-deal-grand-jirga-reaches-agreement-after-extended-deadlock 13 January 2025Why Is Parachinar Stuck in an Endless Loop of Violence Despite the Peace Deal? https://observerdiplomat.com/why-is-parachinar-stuck-in-an-endless-loop-of-violence-despite-the-peace-deal/ 13 January 2025 Pakistan Government of Pakistan PAK PAK 23pxLaw enforcement in Pakistan KPK Police Sunni Militants:Local Sunni tribesmenSoviet–Afghan War veterans (Sunni)25px Pakistani TalibanFlag of Sipah-e-Sahaba.jpg Sipah-e-SahabaFlag_of_Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.svg Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Shia Militants:Local Shia tribesmenSoviet–Afghan War veterans (Shia) Sipah-e MuhammadTehreek-e-Jafaria Official logo.svg Tehreek-e Jafaria The 2007 Kurram Agency conflict, also known as the Siege of Parachinar, began on 6 April 2007 in Kurram Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan when a group of Sunni gunmen opened fire on a Friday prayer held by Shia Muslims in Parachinar. It left more than 40 people dead and more than 150 people wounded by gunfire. Tensions grew in the area adjacent to the Afghan border since 1 April as Pakistani Taliban ally and anti-Shia sectarian group Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat took part in Mawlid (prophet Muhammad's birthday) on 1 April, in which the group raised slogans against Shiites and made derogatory remarks towards historical Shia figures which erupt a sectarian controversy among the muslims in the kurram.2007-04-09 Deadly clashes rage in Pakistan https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6534473.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20230824051816/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6534473.stm 2023-08-24 2007-04-09 BBC News On 6 April, a sectarian conflict intensely raised in Kurram Agency when a group of sectarian Sunni gunmen opened fire on the unarmed Shiites at the time of friday prayer, which triggered a heavy armed violence and bloodshed between the Shia-Sunni militia's that continues to date, Sectarian violence in Pakistan has been serious issue from then onwards.2021-10-23 Two killed in Kurram clashes http://tribune.com.pk/story/2326169/two-killed-in-kurram-clashes 2022-08-21 The Express Tribune en2012-01-25 Pakistan clashes: Many dead in Kurram fighting en-GB BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-16723902 2022-08-21 In the recent years, the Pakistani federal government and provisional government along with local authorities have made significate disarmament efforts to mediate and resolve the Shia–Sunni conflict among the local Pashtun tribes of Kurram Agency, These efforts have been carried out through delegations of Pashtun jirgas, notably led by local Shia and Sunni politicians, tribal chieftains, and scholars such as Sajid Turi, Mufti Kifayatullah Swati and Munir Shakir in order to restore stability and promote inter-muslim unity.2023-07-14 Rival tribes in Pakistan agree 1-year truce after deadly clashes https://www.laprensalatina.com/rival-tribes-in-pakistan-agree-1-year-truce-after-deadly-clashes/ La Prensa Latina Media en-US The Kurram has experienced repeated cycles of sectarian and tribal violence, including escalations into direct conflict between the two sects in 2023 and 2024, Despite multiple peace initiatives, long-term stability has remained fragile due to persistent sectarian divisions, political mistrust, militant influence, and the district’s proximity to the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.Hundreds flee deadly sectarian violence in north-west Pakistan https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/23/hundreds-flee-deadly-sectarian-violence-in-north-west-pakistan The GuardianWhy Is Parachinar Stuck in an Endless Loop of Violence Despite the Peace Deal? https://observerdiplomat.com/why-is-parachinar-stuck-in-an-endless-loop-of-violence-despite-the-peace-deal/ 13 January 2025 In January 2025, a 14-point peace agreement was signed by tribal elders and community leaders under the auspices of a government-backed Grand Peace Jirga, representing a continued effort to mitigate conflict in the region.Warring tribes in Kurram agree to peace deal https://tribune.com.pk/story/2519469/kurram-secures-peace-deal-grand-jirga-reaches-agreement-after-extended-deadlock 13 January 2025 Background Kurram Agency has become increasingly victimized by sectarian violence as tensions grew between the Shiites and Sunnis of the agency since the Soviet–Afghan War. During the war, Kurram was the safe passage for the both Shia Sunni Mujahideen to carried out cross border attacks on Soviet Forces in Afghanistan but in the end of war Sunni Mujahideen attacked the Shia villages and in response Shia Mujahideen launched retaliatory attacks on Sunni villages.Siraj Haqqani sheltering in Kurram, near area of US helicopter strikes, www.longwarjournal.orgPakistan army blockades anti-Taliban tribe in Kurram, BBCRecent news stories on conflictDawn Army ends operation in Central Kurram https://www.dawn.com/news/652841/army-ends-operation-in-central-kurram 18 August 2011 9 August 2017https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/27/pakistan-bomb-attacks-kill-injure Pakistan bomb attacks kill at least 57 and injure many more 27 July 2013 The Guardian 9 August 2017https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11486528 The Pakistani tribe that is taking on the Taliban 21 October 2010 BBC 9 August 2017http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/world/article24605659.html Al Qaida-allied Afghan fighters seek new Pakistan haven 24 December 2010 Saeed Shah McClatchy Washington Bureau 9 August 2017 Timeline April conflict April 6 During a Sunni procession celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in Parachinar on 1 April, a few men made derogatory remarks towards historical Shia figures.Perlez Jane Shah Pir Zubair 2008-07-26 Power Rising, Taliban Besiege Pakistani Shiites https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/world/asia/26pstan.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230717041058/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/world/asia/26pstan.html 2023-07-17 2024-11-07 The New York TimesMaher Mahim 2017-07-07 How Parachinar got Pakistan to listen https://thefridaytimes.com/07-Jul-2017/how-parachinar-got-pakistan-to-listen live https://web.archive.org/web/20240612193546/https://thefridaytimes.com/07-Jul-2017/how-parachinar-got-pakistan-to-listen 2024-06-12 2024-11-08 The Friday Times en2007-04-07 Curfew in Parachinar after three killed https://www.dawn.com/news/241169/curfew-in-parachinar-after-three-killed live https://web.archive.org/web/20241108025731/https://www.dawn.com/news/241169/curfew-in-parachinar-after-three-killed 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 Dawn en In response, Shias in Parachinar held a protest on 6 April where they responded with counter-slogans against Sectarian Sunnis. During the procession, an unidentified gunman opened fire on the crowd. Riots then consumed the city, with raiding and looting of local Sunni storefronts being reported. FATA authorities imposed a curfew across Kurram agency and sent soldiers into Parachinar after at least three people were reported to killed and 18 injured by the end of the day.Rasheed Haroon 2007-04-06 پارہ چنار:لڑائی پھیل گئی، فوج طلب Para Chinar: Fighting spread, army called https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070406_parachinar_haroon live https://web.archive.org/web/20241108031338/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070406_parachinar_haroon 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 BBC Urdu ur April 7 Early in the day, Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters attacked the positions of sectarian fighters in Parachinar before army and paramilitary forces in armoured personnel carriers secured the city.2007-04-07 پارہ چنار: فرقہ وارانہ تصادم میں 8 ہلاک Para Chinar: 8 killed in communal clashes https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070407_parachinar_fighting_ns live https://web.archive.org/web/20241108033106/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070407_parachinar_fighting_ns 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 BBC Urdu ur2007-04-08 40 dead in Parachinar fighting: official https://www.dawn.com/news/241347/40-dead-in-parachinar-fighting-official live https://web.archive.org/web/20210513184112/https://www.dawn.com/news/241347/40-dead-in-parachinar-fighting-official 2021-05-13 2007-04-09 Dawn The sectarian groups were reportedly using heavy weaponry such as mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.2007-04-08 Death toll hits 15 in Pakistan sectarian clashes https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSISL15197420070408 live https://web.archive.org/web/20231003192003/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSISL15197420070408 2023-10-03 2007-04-09 Reuters A rocket attack on a home in Parachinar killed 14 people, including two women and four children.2007-04-07 Sectarian riots erupt in Pakistan https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/4/7/sectarian-riots-erupt-in-pakistan live https://web.archive.org/web/20241108032604/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/4/7/sectarian-riots-erupt-in-pakistan 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 Al Jazeera en The government announced that anyone seen violating the curfew would be shot at by authorities. According to a FATA official, 40 people had been killed and 70 were wounded during the two day of fighting.Rasheed Haroon 2007-04-07 ہلاکتیں 50 تک ہو سکتی ہیں: شیرپاؤ Casualties can be as high as 50: Sherpa https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070407_para_update live https://web.archive.org/web/20241108033744/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070407_para_update 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 BBC Urdu ur April 8 Violence between sectarian fighters cooled down in Parachinar but intensified across Upper and Lower Kurram as tribal elders attempted to resolve the situation.2007-04-08 ’جھڑپیں بند نہ ہوئیں تو فوج استعمال کریں گے‘ 'They will use the army if the clashes don't stop' https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070408_kuram_fighting_rs live https://web.archive.org/web/20241108040759/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070408_kuram_fighting_rs 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 BBC Urdu ur Clashes in Pewar and Kirman left four and three people dead in the villages respectively, while mortar fire on a house in Alam Sher killed one person.2007-04-09 Clashes in Kurram Agency intensify https://www.dawn.com/news/241478/clashes-in-kurram-agency-intensify live https://web.archive.org/web/20240609210425/https://www.dawn.com/news/241478/clashes-in-kurram-agency-intensify 2024-06-09 2007-04-09 Dawn Fighting in Sadda killed six people and led to electricity being disabled in the town. Additional clashes were reported in Tari Mangal, Balish Khel, Bashra, Mali Khel, Kadman and Para Chamkani among other areas. PTI chairman Imran Khan suggested that the conflict could be manufactured by the United States in order to harm Pakistan's relations with Iran.Salman Ali 2007-04-08 Parachinar riots: 'US has agenda' https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070408_imran_presser_rza live https://web.archive.org/web/20210314192721/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070408_imran_presser_rza 2021-03-14 2024-11-09 BBC Urdu ur April 9 The government issued an ultimatum to cease all hostilities by 10 April or else an army offensive would be launched against the tribal fighters.2007-04-09 فریقین پر فوج کی گولہ باری Army shelling on the parties https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070409_parachinar_update_ns live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109005809/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070409_parachinar_update_ns 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 BBC Urdu ur Mortar fire hit a government building in Alizai, killing a security officer and injuring multiple others.2007-04-10 Riots continue in Kurram Agency https://www.dawn.com/news/241642/riots-continue-in-kurram-agency live https://web.archive.org/web/20080330054104/http://www.dawn.com/2007/04/10/top6.htm 2008-03-30 2007-04-10 Dawn A mortar shell struck a house in Sadda, killing two children and injuring four. Twelve people from Sadda were brought to a hospital in Peshawar, two of them dying in treatment.2007-04-10 ’لڑائی کی شدت ناقابلِ بیان ہے‘ 'The intensity of the fight is indescribable' https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070410_kurram_clashes_injured live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109020351/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070410_kurram_clashes_injured 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 BBC Urdu ur April 10 Clashes between fighters in Sadda and Balash Khel killed around 20 people according to locals.2007-04-12 کرم: فائر بندی کی کوشش اور ہلاکتیں Kurram: Ceasefire Attempt and Casualties https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070412_hangu_jirga_ns live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109032432/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070412_hangu_jirga_ns 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 BBC Urdu ur Electricity in Kurram was completely cut following an attack on the main transmission line in Alizai.2007-04-11 Riot toll in Kurram Agency rises to 50 https://www.dawn.com/news/241806/riot-toll-in-kurram-agency-rises-to-50 live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109004530/https://www.dawn.com/news/241806/riot-toll-in-kurram-agency-rises-to-50 2024-11-09 2007-04-11 Dawn The army fired artillery from their base in Parachinar across various areas in Kurram. Army reinforcements also entered Parachinar and Alizar.2007-04-11 More troops deployed in Parachinar http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\04\11\story_11-4-2007_pg7_7 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121106235702/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\04\11\story_11-4-2007_pg7_7 2012-11-06 2007-04-11 Daily Times April 11 Militants allegedly from North Waziristan attacked the villages of Jilamai and Chardewal, killing 15 people altogether. Authorities responding to the villages reportedly opened fire on rioters, killing at least 35.2007-04-12 15 killed in attack on two villages https://www.dawn.com/news/241979/15-killed-in-attack-on-two-villages live https://web.archive.org/web/20230619172505/https://www.dawn.com/news/241979/15-killed-in-attack-on-two-villages 2023-06-19 2024-11-09 Dawn en Four people were killed in Shalozan Tangi, while a rocket attack in Shoblan killed a woman and injured two children in a house. A rocket hit a house in Almsher village killing a woman. Army soldiers entered Sadda, leading a gunfight which left four sectarian fighters dead and another four injured.2007-04-11 صدہ میں جنگ بندی، پارا چنار میں کرفیو Cease fire in Sada, curfew in Para Chinar https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070411_parachinar_firing_rs live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109030238/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070411_parachinar_firing_rs 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 BBC Urdu ur2007-04-11 Sunnis and Shias clash in Pakistan https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/4/11/sunnis-and-shias-clash-in-pakistan live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109030437/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/4/11/sunnis-and-shias-clash-in-pakistan 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 Al Jazeera en After securing the city, local authorities announced the establishment of a ceasefire in the city. A reduction in hostilities around the outskirts of Parachinar was reported. April 12 Five Shia's were reportedly killed by gunmen in Chardewar, with another five suffering injuries.2007-04-12 Pakistan sectarian battles rage https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6548267.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20190827173113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6548267.stm 2019-08-27 2024-11-09 BBC News en-GB Clashes with bandits in Jilamai killed four people.2007-04-14 Curfew relaxed in Parachinar https://www.dawn.com/news/242295 live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109040109/https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/242295 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 Dawn en A Peace Jirga delegation of twenty Sunni and twenty Shia scholars and tribal elders arrived at Parachinar after travelling from Hangu the previous day. A ceasefire across Kurram agency was later declared.2007-04-12 کرم ایجنسی میں عارضی جنگ بندی Temporary ceasefire in Kurram Agency https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070412_khurram_ceasefire_fz live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109033013/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070412_khurram_ceasefire_fz 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 BBC Urdu ur April 13 The curfew in Parachinar was loosened for two hours from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Peace Jirga was in the process of negotiating a settlement and written agreement with the two factions.2007-04-13 پارہ چنار میں کرفیو میں نرمی Relaxation of curfew in Para Chanar https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070413_kurram_curfew live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109033333/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070413_kurram_curfew 2024-11-09 2007-04-13 BBC Urdu ur August attack On 4 August, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus station in Parachinar, killing 10 people and injuring 35 others.2007-08-04 Car Bomb In NW Pakistan Kills 10 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/car-bomb-in-nw-pakistan-kills-10/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20241109041933/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/car-bomb-in-nw-pakistan-kills-10/ 2024-11-09 2024-11-09 CBS News en-US November conflict On 16 November, Sectarian clashes again broke out in Kurram Agency, Parachinar after Sipah-e-Muhammad affiliated Shia armed gunmen opened fire inside a Sunni Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat linked sectarian Anti-Shia mosque and madrasa in the avenge of 6 April Friday prayer attack, killing at least 10 and more than 20 injured also causing the significant damage to the madrasa.2007-11-17 Sectarian clashes in Pakistani tribal area; 30 killed https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL17195871/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210517213415/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL17195871/ 2021-05-17 2024-11-09 Reuters2007-11-18 Pakistanis die in sectarian clashes https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/11/18/pakistanis-die-in-sectarian-clashes live https://web.archive.org/web/20201024145931/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/11/18/pakistanis-die-in-sectarian-clashes 2020-10-24 2024-11-09 Al Jazeera en The attack triggered a renewed conflict between Sunni and Shia fighters in Kurram, with 30 people being killed and over 100 being injured by the end of 17 November. By 18 November, at least 61 people had been killed, with the government imposing a curfew upon the city once again.2007-11-18 US Envoy Calls on Musharraf to Lift Emergency Rule https://lao.voanews.com/a/a-52-2007-11-18-voa1-90680629/1185224.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240423175615/https://lao.voanews.com/a/a-52-2007-11-18-voa1-90680629/1185224.html 2024-04-23 2024-11-09 Voice of America Lao lo On 19 November, Pakistani soldiers with attack helicopter support moved into the city, forcing the sectarian fighters to retreat from their positions to Afghanistan. By the end of the day, the number of casualties from the conflict had risen to at least 80, 11 of them being Pakistani soldiers.2007-11-19 Pakistan clashes 'leave 80 dead' https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7101533.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20230709180105/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7101533.stm 2023-07-09 2024-11-09 BBC News en-GB2007-11-19 Twelve more killed in sectarian violence in Pakistan https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSISL258335/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210516030038/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSISL258335/ 2021-05-16 2024-11-09 Reuters See also 2023 Kurram Parachinar conflict 2024 Kurram conflict External links An attack by Shia tribesmen on Taliban positions An Associated Press video on the conflict Another Associated Press video on the conflict References Category:2007 conflicts Category:Kurram District Category:Terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2007