PARACHINAR, Pakistan — On Wednesday, a convoy of aid trucks laden with food, medical supplies, and other essential relief materials successfully made its way to a remote area in the troubled northwestern part of Pakistan. A spokesperson for the government and local officials confirmed the arrival for the benefit of the many residents in need.

The main highway that connects to the Kurram district had been shut down by government authorities over three months ago due to violent confrontations between opposing Shiite and Sunni tribes, resulting in over 130 fatalities.

The aid convoy had been delayed and awaiting security clearance since Saturday, following an incident where gunmen fired upon government vehicles, injuring some officials en route to oversee the delivery of aid to Kurram, which is part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Muhammad Ali Saif, a representative of the provincial government, reported on Wednesday that numerous trucks filled with food, medical supplies, tents, and other vital items have successfully reached Kurram.

This latest progress follows a ceasefire that was achieved two weeks prior, with the assistance of local elders. The road closures had severely limited the local population’s access to vital resources such as medical aid, food, fuel, education, and employment since October. The situation escalated on November 21 when a convoy was ambushed, resulting in the tragic deaths of 52 individuals, primarily from the Shiite community, amidst a land dispute.

The Shiite Muslim community is predominant in certain regions of Kurram, despite being a minority in the larger context of Pakistan, which is predominantly Sunni. This region has experienced a long-standing history of sectarian violence, with militant Sunni factions frequently targeting the Shiite minority.