BANNU: At least seven people were killed and three others injured in two back-to-back explosions in Marka Bera, a semi-tribal mountainous area located in Bannu’s Wazir subdivision on Saturday.
Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi confirmed the casualties, stating that seven people were martyred while three others sustained injuries in the twin blasts. He said security forces and law enforcement agencies swiftly reached the site, collected evidence, and launched an investigation into the incidents.
According to a police statement, both vehicles were targeted in remote-controlled explosions in the Phang Musa Khel area. Authorities described the attacks as a “cowardly act of terrorism.”
Police said the first blast targeted a private Datsun vehicle carrying passengers. The vehicle was travelling towards Domel when it was struck by an explosive device, killing five people on the spot and completely destroying the vehicle.
Officials said the injured victims from the first explosion were being transported to a hospital when a second blast occurred. The second explosion took place nearly one kilometre away from the site of the first attack and targeted another vehicle, killing two more people and destroying the vehicle, according to eyewitnesses.
Rescue 1122 teams shifted the bodies and injured individuals to Domel Rural Health Centre and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and further procedures.
Following the attacks, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Authorities also carried out a thorough sweep amid concerns that additional explosive devices might still be present in the vicinity.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. In a statement, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The president also warned terrorists and their internal and external supporters who provide safe havens, logistical assistance and financial backing. He said terrorists sought to undermine Pakistan’s international diplomatic achievements and efforts to promote peace, but reaffirmed that the country would continue supporting regional and global peace and ultimately defeat terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the twin blasts and expressed grief over the loss of lives. According to state-run APP, the premier prayed for the departed souls and wished a full recovery for the injured victims.
The latest attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Bannu’s remote mountainous regions and has heightened concerns among local residents regarding the safety of civilians travelling through the area.
Bannu has witnessed a series of security incidents in recent months as militant violence continues to surge. Both civilians and members of the security forces have repeatedly come under attack across the district.
Just a week earlier, militants attempted to blow up the Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road using explosives, causing partial damage to the structure. On June 12, two police constables were martyred in separate targeted attacks in the district.
Last month, at least two police personnel and two civilians were martyred, while 25 terrorists were killed during an intense clash involving law enforcement agencies, a local peace committee and militants.
Amid the rising wave of terrorism, a jirga held on Thursday called on the government to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate militancy from the region and restore lasting peace.