Kidnapping, Northwest Pakistan

Suspected militants dressed as police officers kidnapped 60 people in the Kurram region, northwest Pakistan, near the Afghan border, on May 15. The people, all believed to be Pakistanis, including some women and children, were traveling in a convoy to the city Parachinar when they were ambushed. At press time, the outcome was unknown.

Kidnappings for ransom are now common in the area, where the Taliban has a strong presence. There also has been violence between the majority Sunni Muslims and Shias.