GHALANAI: A pro-government tribal elder narrowly escaped while his two security guards were killed and another was injured after an improvised explosives device (IED), planted by suspected Taliban terrorists, exploded at the Ziarat area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency on Tuesday morning.

Officials said that Malik Ayaz Khan, along with his three security guards, was on his way to Ziarat Masood area at Safi tehsil from his home. When he reached Ziarat road, an IED, planted by suspected Taliban insurgents, went off at 8:30am.

As a result of the blast, security guards, Ibrahim Khan, Amjad Khan and Siraj Khan, were seriously injured. Malak Ayaz, however, escaped unhurt.

The injured guards were taken to a hospital in Nawagai area of Bajaur Agency where Amjad and Siraj died.

Confirming the report, Tehsildar Miraj Khan said that soon after the blast, security personnel conducted a search operation in adjoining areas but no arrest was made till late in the night.

The Taliban have intensified attacks on security forces and former peace committee members in the area.

A week ago security forces warned tribesmen in a grand jirga to ensure law and order in their respective areas or stern action will be taken against them.

The Taliban have warned tribesmen through pamphlets distributed in Khakh bazaar in Safi tehsil not to cooperate with the government and security personnel or be ready to face consequences.

The security forces have shut down Khakh bazaar for the last five days because of growing incidents of IED blasts and attacks on security forces and pro-government tribal elders.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2016