Médecins Sans Frontières tries to respond during heavy fighting in northwest Pakistan

Since 23 December 2007, a sectarian clash has been underway in Kurram Agency, North West Frontier Province, Pakistan. Mortars have exploded within the vicinity of Alizai and Sadda Hospitals, where the medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières provides assistance. The town of Alizai has been surrounded and blockaded by fighters. Five mortars landed near the Médecins Sans Frontières hospital compound on 25 December. The following day, another three mortars shook the facility, damaging the Médecins Sans Frontières buildings and ambulance. Only a few wounded have so far made their way to the hospital for treatment. Médecins Sans Frontières provided trauma medicines and materials, but has had to reduce the presence of its workers due to the insecurity. Fighting continues daily.

On 30 December, a mortar hit the hospital in the nearby town of Sadda, damaging the hospital mosque. Over a hundred wounded have arrived in the emergency room. Médecins Sans Frontières teams have provided support and medical materials. While lowering staff numbers to the minimum Médecins Sans Frontières continues to provide basic maternal health services.

Buildings in Sadda town have been subjected to daily fire of mortars and other heavy weapons since 23 December. People fleeing fighting in nearby towns are seeking refuge in Sadda, but they have now come under fire. Médecins Sans Frontières is trying to get additional supplies, including food and blankets to those most affected by the conflict.

This is the second time this year that sectarian clashes have resulted in prolonged insecurity and casualties. An isolated tribal area on the conflicted Afghan border, civilians in many parts of Kurram Agency — now enduring the coldest months of the year — face acute shortage of simple necessities like food and fuel.

Sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni supporters began in November. A Jirga - local peace talks - are underway to try and resolve the issue. Heavy weapons and small arms fire are still heard regularly in and around Alizai and Sadda towns.

Médecins Sans Frontières has been working in Pakistan since 2000 and is currently carrying out medical activities in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Balochistan. It is the only international medical organisation present in Sadda and Alizai.

For more information, contact Sally McMillan on 0447 482 379, (02) 8570 2611 or sally.mcmillan(at)sydney.msf.org