2010 Kurram agency mass kidnapping

2010 Kurram agency mass kidnapping
Location Kurram, Pakistan
Date 15 May 2010
Unknown time
Attack type
 Kidnapping
Weapons Heavily armed
Victim 61 civilians (suspected)[1]
Perpetrators Militants posing as policemen

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.[1][2][3]

Background

Kurram has been a Taliban stronghold for many years. It has also been the site of sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis.[2] 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.[4]

Kidnappings

The kidnappers were dressed in police uniforms. 4 people were initially abducted from a vehicle belonging to a government power utility. The vehicle was then set on fire.[4] Later 57 more civilians were taken from a convoy going to Parachinar.[1] 50 hostages were released on 16 May 2010.[5] Negotiations for release of remaining hostages were ongoing.[6]

Responsibility

No group has yet claimed responsibility. Government sources have stated that an investigation is underway and efforts are being made to recover the kidnapped people.[2] The government blamed the Taliban for the kidnapping.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Militants kidnap 60 in Kurram tribal region". Dawn (newspaper). May 15, 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 "Suspected Pakistan militants 'kidnap 60' in tribal area". BBC. May 15, 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  3. ↑ "Officials: US missiles kill 5 in NW Pakistan". The Washington Post. May 15, 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  4. 1 2 "Suspected militants kidnap 60 in NW Pakistan: police". Reuters. May 15, 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  5. ↑ "Militants free 50 hostages in Northwest Pakistan: official". Reuters. May 16, 2010. Archived from the original on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 16 May 2010.
  6. 1 2 "Militants free 50 hostages kidnapped on Saturday". Dawn (newspaper). May 16, 2010. Archived from the original on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2010.


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