2010 Kurram agency mass kidnapping happened on May 15, 2010, in Kurram Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. 60 people including women and children were kidnapped by militants dressed in police uniforms.

Background

Kurram has been a Taliban stronghold for many years. It has also been the site of sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis. A large number of militants are thought to have fled to Kurram agency from South Waziristan last year after the military launched an operation there. Security forces had recently launched intense air strikes on militants in Kurram and adjoining areas.

Kidnappings

The kidnappers were dressed in police uniforms. Four people were initially abducted from a vehicle belonging to a government power utility. The vehicle was then set on fire. Later 57 more civilians were taken from a convoy going to

Parachinar Parachinar ( ps, پاړه چنار; ur, ) is a small Pashtun ( Turi and Bangash tribe) town which is the capital of Kurram District in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Parachinar is situated on a neck of Pakistani territory west ...

. 50 hostages were released on 16 May 2010. Negotiations for release of remaining hostages were ongoing.

Responsibility

No group has yet claimed responsibility. Government sources have stated that an investigation is under way and efforts are being made to recover the kidnapped people. The government blamed the Taliban for the kidnapping.

References

2010 crimes in Pakistan 2010s missing person cases Crime in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Formerly missing people History of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kidnappings in Pakistan Kurram District Missing person cases in Pakistan {{pakistan-hist-stub

Background

Kidnappings

Responsibility

See also

References