BAJAUR/LAKKI MARWAT/SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Eight people, including three security personnel and five residents, were injured after a roadside bomb targeted a vehicle of the Frontier Corps (FC) in Lowi Mamund tehsil in Bajaur tribal district on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at around 11amon the main Laghari-Inayat Kallay Road near Tarkhoo area.

An improvised explosive device hit a vehicle of the FC bomb disposal unit when personnel were clearing the road, the sources quoted the head of Larkholozo hospital’s casualty section as saying.

They added that eight people, including FC personnel Hazrat Ali, Zahid and Zar Mullah, were injured in the blast.

Police official wounded in Bannu gunfight with terrorists

The sources said that the five injured residents, including Roohullah, Khista Gul, Amna Bibi, Taj Khan and Jawad, were passersby. They were shifted to the Larkholozo hospital for treatment. However, the two injured children were shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Khar.

Senior official of the Khar hospital Dr Nasib Gul told reporters that the condition of all injured civilians was out of danger.

Soon after the blast, security personnel along with police launched a search operation in the locality to trace culprits.

No group claimed responsibility for the blast.

Also in the day, a police official was injured in a fierce gun battle with terrorists in the Kashu area of Bannu district.

A police official said the gunfight erupted when around two dozen terrorists attacked policemen at a checkpoint.

“The cops have established the checkpoint alongside the police post as part of a plan to maintain peace and protect roads,” he said.

The official said the policemen retaliated effectively and their quick and effective response forced assailants to flee.

“During an intense exchange of fire, lower head constable Latif Khan was injured who was immediately transported to the hospital,” he said.

The official said after the attack, a large police contingent, led by DPO Salem Abbas Kulachi, assisted by personnel of Ababeel Force, Rapid Response Force and Quick Response Force and backed by armoured personnel carriers, reached the area and launched a search for the fleeing terrorists.

He said the police had launched a search operation in the area and were dismantling terrorist hideouts.

Meanwhile, the funeral prayers for two constables martyred in the Lower South Waziristan district were held at the Wana Police Lines on Monday night.

The bodies were later taken to the fallen officials’ native town Toi Khullah where they were laid to rest. Family members, elders and residents attended the ceremony.

A smartly turned-out contingent of police presented a guard of honour at the funeral ceremony.

The participants included Commandant of the South Waziristan Scouts Mohammad Tahir, district police officer Asif Bahadur, deputy commissioner Nasir Khan, other civil and military officials, tribal elders, and relatives of the personnel, who were martyred two days after their abduction.

Security forces launched a search operation in the area to apprehend culprits.

DPO Asif Bahadur met with the deceased’s families, offered condolences and promised financial and other support.

He said the sacrifices of martyred police officials would always be remembered.

The DPO said the police were committed to cracking down the enemies of peace.

“The bravery and sacrifice of these officers are a shining example not only for the police but for the entire nation as well. Their martyrdom is part of the ongoing struggle for peace and stability in the country. The nation salutes their courage and selflessness,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025