SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Security forces defused an improvised explosive device planted on a motorcycle near a hotel on Wana Bypass in Lower South Waziristan district on Thursday.

District police officer Khankhel said that unidentified individuals had planted the explosive device inside the fuel tank of the motorcycle and had left it outside a hotel on Wana Bypass. However, timely action by the security personnel thwarted the attempt and prevented potential devastation, he added.

DPO Khankhel said that the device was placed in a high-traffic civilian area, raising the risk of significant casualties. “Promptly responding to the threat, security forces cordoned off the area and called in the bomb disposal squad, which successfully neutralised the explosive device with professional expertise.”

Following the incident, security was placed on high alert across the region, and police have launched a formal investigation into the attempted attack.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025