MAKHIZAI, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Seven people were killed on Thursday when a group of gunmen opened fire on a passenger van in western Pakistan, local officials said.

The attack happened in the Makhizai area of Pakistan's Lower Kurram Agency when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire at a passenger van from the right side of the road, police said. The van was carrying around 17 passengers.

At least seven people were confirmed killed as a result of the shooting attack, while another person was seriously injured. Police said the passenger van was traveling from Ali Zai in Lower Kurram Agency to Parachinar.

The gunmen fled the scene after the attack.

Sectarian violence is not uncommon in Kurram Agency, and a Pakistani army operation called Koh-e-Sufai, which was launched in the region to fight killings, kidnappings, and extortion, has recently ended.

The fatal victims of the attack were all members of the minority Shia community. Muslims around the world are currently carrying out Eid-al-Fitr celebrations, which marks the end of the Holy fasting month of Ramadan.