Initial investigations suggest the vehicle was specifically targeted using explosive materials.
A powerful explosion in Wana Bazaar, the main town and headquarters of Lower South Waziristan, killed three people, including Ahmadzai Wazir tribal leader Malik Tariq Khan, while two others were seriously injured. PHOTO: EXPRESS
MIRANSHAH:
A powerful explosion in Wana Bazaar, the main commercial hub and headquarters of Lower South Waziristan, killed at least three people, including Ahmadzai Wazir tribal leader Malik Tariq Khan, and seriously injured two others on Monday, police said.
The blast occurred near the Khanzada market gate when Khan’s vehicle was passing through the area, confirmed District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Tahir Shah Wazir. The explosion severely damaged the targeted vehicle, while the windows of nearby shops and buildings were broken.
Initial investigations suggest that the vehicle had been specifically targeted using explosive material. Preliminary evidence indicates the attack may have been carried out with a remote-controlled device.
Police identified the other two deceased as Malik Sarfaraz Khan Yar Gul Khel and Yar Gul Khail Jan. The two injured were transferred to the Wana District Headquarters Hospital, where hospital sources described their condition as critical.
Following the incident, police, security forces and bomb squad personnel arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. Security agencies also launched a search operation in and around Wana Bazaar, while checkpoints at entrances and exits were strengthened.
Police officials said investigations into the nature of the explosion and the explosive material used were ongoing, with authorities examining several aspects of the incident. Tribal elders, as well as local political and social figures, strongly condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those responsible.
Last week, at least nine people, including two traffic police officers, were killed and 33 others injured in a powerful explosion that ripped through a busy market in Lakki Marwat district.
Learn more: Death toll from Bannu police attack rises to 15
Fifteen police officers were killed in a brazen attack on a police checkpoint in Bannu, as a banned group, Ittehad Mujahideen Pakistan, belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, claimed responsibility on May 10.
On Saturday night, terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel police checkpoint in Bannu, triggering a massive explosion that completely reduced the structure to rubble.
Bannu regional police chief Sajjad Khan said a total of 18 police officers were present at the checkpoint at the time of the attack. “Among them, 15 embraced martyrdom on the spot, while three were seriously injured,” he said. The explosion also caused significant damage to nearby residential buildings and structures.
