Rocket fired at Kurram aid convoy in Bagan
No casualties reported, say authorities, as vehicles returning to Tal after the attack
PESHAWAR/HANGU: A rocket was fired at the third aid convoy heading towards Kurram in Bagan, police said on Thursday, in a major setback to the peace agreement that finally allowed aid to be sent to the restive region.
One vehicle in the convoy was damaged by the rocket strike, according to authorities. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any casualties from the incident so far.
In the aftermath, vehicles from the convoy have begun to return to Tal, according to Geo News. Meanwhile, cargo trucks that had been at the Chapri checkpoint are also heading back.
According to the district administration, the first phase of the third convoy heading to Kurram included 35 cargo vehicles, which were carrying medicines, vegetables, fruits, and other food items.
The administration had said that additional vehicles were expected to depart for Kurram in the second phase later today.
To ensure the convoy's safety, the authorities had deployed police, Frontier Corps (FC), and other security forces.
Difficulties for patients
Meanwhile, the helicopter service for patient transfers from Kurram has been suspended for the past 10 days, causing severe difficulties for patients in the region.
Dr Mir Hussain Jan, Medical Superintendent (MS) of the District Headquarters Hospital, spoke to Geo News and confirmed that the helicopter service, crucial for transporting medicines and patients, has been out of operation for the last 10 days.
He mentioned that the district administration has already sent a letter requesting the resumption of the service.
Dr Jan further revealed that a request had been made to the district administration for the transfer of 74 patients, as it seems unlikely that patients will be able to be transferred by road under the current circumstances.
However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Adnan Qadri claimed that the helicopter service for Kurram district continues to operate.