NORTH WAZIRISTAN: A bridge over the Kurram River in North Waziristan’s Shewa tehsil was blown up 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 security situation in the North Waziristan district.

According to sources, unidentified individuals planted a large quantity of explosives beneath the bridge under the cover of darkness late at night, detonating it with a powerful blast. The explosion was heard from miles away, spreading fear and panic among residents.

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

Land link of major towns severed

The destruction of the bridge has caused severe hardships for millions of residents of Shewa and surrounding areas. 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 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.

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

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

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen a rise in attacks targeting infrastructure in recent months.

On Dec 7, terrorists blew up a link bridge in the Mamandkhel area of the Bannu district using explosive material, affecting public movement in the area. Within a span of one week, North Waziristan’s Mir Ali tehsil later 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 in the other detonated prematurely, killing the attacker.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2026