Karachi, June 20: In a tragic incident on Saturday, two consecutive roadside explosions in the Bannu district of northwest Pakistan resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left several others injured, according to local media reports citing police officials.
Bannu is located near the volatile North Waziristan region, adjacent to the Afghan border. District police chief Yasir Afridi informed reporters that the first blast occurred as a passenger van was passing by, killing five people and injuring three others.
As locals rushed to assist the victims and transport them to ambulances, a second explosion occurred, claiming at least two more lives. Authorities stated that the blasts were triggered remotely.
Police and security agencies have cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation. Officials suspect the presence of additional explosive devices in the vicinity, prompting a thorough search.
The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
According to the prominent Pakistani daily Dawn, the explosions took place in the Marka Bera area of the Waziri subdivision in Bannu district. The blasts completely destroyed both vehicles involved.
Meanwhile, security forces have surrounded the entire area and launched a search operation.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the “Improvised Explosive Device (IED)” attack and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. In a statement, he extended condolences to the grieving families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.
Local media outlets report that this incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the remote mountainous areas of Bannu, raising concerns among residents about the safety of civilians traveling through the region.
In recent months, Bannu district has been a hotspot for security-related incidents, with both civilians and local security forces targeted amid rising militant violence.
Just a week prior, militants attempted to blow up the Terry Ram Bridge on Miryan Road, causing partial damage to the structure. On June 12, two police constables were killed in separate attacks in Bannu. Last month, a fierce encounter between law enforcement agencies, a peace committee, and attackers resulted in the deaths of two police officers and two civilians, while 25 militants were killed.
Amid escalating violence, a jirga (tribal assembly) held on Thursday called for immediate government action to eradicate militancy from the region.
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