At least 42 people killed in shooting in Pakistan

(CLO) At least 42 people, including six women, were killed and 20 others injured in a gun attack in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan on Thursday (November 21).

It was one of the deadliest attacks in the area in recent years, according to police.

A victim was injured in the attack. Photo: AP

The attack occurred as a convoy of Shiite Muslims was traveling from the city of Parachinar to the provincial capital Peshawar. Gunmen suddenly appeared and opened fire on the convoy, according to Azmat Ali, a local police official. More than 10 people are currently in critical condition in hospital.

“I saw four gunmen come out of a car and open fire on buses and cars. Some others also opened fire from nearby fields. The shooting lasted for about 40 minutes. I had to hide until they left,” said a witness named Mir Hussain.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the attack an “act of terrorism”. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the incident, pledging to hunt down and punish those behind it.

Baqir Haideri, a local Shiite community leader, criticized the authorities for not providing adequate security for the convoy, despite previous threats from militant groups.

“More than 40 people from our community were killed. This is the saddest day in the history of Kurram. The government must take responsibility,” said Ibne Ali Bangash, a relative of one of the victims.

The Kurram region has long been a flashpoint for ethnic and religious conflict between the Shiite community (which makes up the majority) and Sunnis. Since July, dozens of people have been killed in clashes that began over land disputes and escalated into sectarian violence.

Pakistan is facing a surge in violence in its northwest and southwest regions, where militant and separatist groups regularly attack security forces and civilians.

Shopkeepers in Parachinar have announced a strike on Friday in protest at the attack. Shiite community leaders have warned that the death toll could rise as many of the victims were seriously injured.

Cao Phong (according to AP, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/doan-xe-nguoi-hoi-giao-shiite-o-pakistan-bi-tan-cong-it-nhat-42-nguoi-thiet-mang-post322385.html