SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: At least one schoolchild was killed and five others were wounded when they were targeted by what has been described as a quadcopter or drone, in tehsil Makin of South Waziristan Upper.

Two of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

Though there was no official word, local sources said the incident occurred around noon, as students returning from school were standing near a local shop when a suspected UAV, thought to be a quadcopter, launched an attack.

The injured children were rushed to nearby medical facilities, while the critically injured were referred to Razmak Hospital for advanced treatment.

Initial findings from the district administration and security forces that the attack was carried out by terrorist elements. Officials described the use of quadcopters in such attacks as a disturbing and an emerging trend in the region.

This is the second quadcopter-related incident in just three days; on Wednesday evening, a similar attack targeted the district headquarters in Ladha, causing partial damage to the residential quarters of the additional deputy commissioner and the assistant commissioner. But no casualties were reported.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked growing concerns about the region’s security, especially in conflict-sensitive areas like Upper and Lower South Waziristan and North Waziristan.

Following Friday’s attack, residents of Makin took to the streets in protest, demanding immediate action against those responsible for targeting innocent children. The protest was later called off after successful negotiations between the demonstrators and district officials.

MNA Zubair Khan Wazir, who represents both South Waziristan Upper and Lower, strongly condemned the incident.

“Targeting innocent schoolchildren is a deeply distressing and unforgivable act,” he said in a statement on social media.

“This is a grave incident that warrants a thorough and impartial investigation so that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2025