At least 15 killed, dozens injured in tribal clashes in northwest Pakistan

At least 15 people were killed and over 30 injured in fresh tribal clashes in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a local official said Saturday.

The clashes in the Kurram district, near the Afghan border, erupted late Friday following an attack on passenger vans by unidentified assailants on Thursday.

"Heavy firing is still continuing between two tribal groups since last night. Around 15 people have been killed from both sides, while over 30 are injured," Wazir Ali, a local administration official, told Anadolu over the phone.

The death toll from Thursday's passenger van attack has risen to 45, with 16 others still receiving treatment in hospitals.

In response to the escalating violence, local authorities have imposed a curfew, suspended mobile services, and shut down schools and businesses in the remote areas of Kurram district.

Deputy Commissioner Javidullah Mehsud told local reporters that efforts are underway to convene a tribal assembly, or jirga, to mediate and prevent further violence.

The Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, has seen repeated tribal clashes in recent months. In September, a conflict in the same region left 46 people dead, though tribal elders managed to broker a ceasefire.

Earlier in July, another violent dispute over land ownership in Kurram claimed 43 lives and injured 180 people during days of intense fighting.

The latest round of violence comes after local tribes blocked roads in the area for over two weeks earlier this month, further complicating tensions in the region.