BANNU: A bomb went off outside a primary school here on Thursday partially damaging the building.

According to local sources, unidentified individuals attempted to blow up Government Girls Middle School in Mamakhel, a village in Hassankhel Khairaki. Explosive material was reportedly planted at the school, that went off resulting in partial damage to the building.

In another incident in the Bachki Janikhel area, militants placed a drum filled with explosives beneath a connecting bridge with the intention of blowing it up. However, upon receiving information, security forces reached the site immediately. A bomb disposal unit successfully defused the device, averting a potential major disaster.

Officials said investigations into both incidents had been launched, while law enforcement agencies intensified search operations and intelligence-based actions in the region to apprehend the culprits involved.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026