An important bridge over the Kurram River in North Waziristan’s Shewa tehsil was blown up by unknown attackers using explosives on Wednesday.

The structure was completely destroyed, severing land links between the area and Miranshah, Bannu and other adjoining regions.

The incident has once again raised serious questions about the law and order situation in the volatile district.

According to local sources, unidentified attackers planted a large quantity of explosives beneath the bridge during the early morning hours.

The explosion was heard from many miles away, spreading fear and panic among the area’s residents.

Following the incident, police and security forces reached the incident site and cordoned off the area. An investigation was launched into the incident.

The destruction of the bridge — a vital line of communication in the region — is likely to cause severe hardships for the people as it served as an important route for the daily movement of civilians, patients, students, traders and government employees.

Its collapse has also disrupted access to healthcare facilities, supply of essential goods and routine commercial activities, forcing the region’s residents to use much longer and more difficult alternative routes.

Local sources added that security forces’ convoys occasionally used the route as well, leading to concerns that the attack may have been aimed at destabilising the region and undermining peace.

According to official sources, the bridge was primarily used by civilians for relief operations and movement.

Tribal elder Malik Islam Khan and other local elders strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “heinous and cowardly act”.

They said such actions primarily harm innocent civilians who are already suffering due to years of insecurity and underdevelopment. They demanded immediate and strict action against those responsible.

Local political leader Abdullah Khan also expressed grave concern over the incident, stating that the people of North Waziristan had made immense sacrifices for peace, and such attacks were an attempt to sabotage those efforts.

He urged the government to further strengthen security in the area and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.

Authorities said a comprehensive investigation is underway, while a report has been sent to senior officials regarding the bridge’s reconstruction and interim alternative arrangements.

Attacks on infrastructure

While attacks targeting infrastructure are fairly common in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also seen a rise in such incidents in recent months.

On December 7, unidentified terrorists blew up a link bridge in the Mamandkhel area of the Bannu district using explosive material, affecting public movement in the area.

Also last month, within a span of a week, North Waziristan’s Mir Ali tehsil witnessed two incidents of terrorists blowing up government schools.

November also saw two incidents of terrorists attempting to blow up bridges in Bannu. One plot was foiled by the police’s bomb disposal squad, while the improvised explosive device (IED) in the other detonated prematurely, killing the attacker.