Weapons Heavily armed | ||
Date 15 May 2010Unknown time Victim 61 civilians (suspected) 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.
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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. 4 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. 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 underway and efforts are being made to recover the kidnapped people. The government blamed the Taliban for the kidnapping.