SWABI, July 2: Unidentified militants blew up a government school here on Monday, raising the total number of destroyed educational institutions in the district to 17.

Two rooms of government primary for boys in Darra were destroyed when explosive material planted in its veranda went off at 3:30am. The boundary wall of the school also developed cracks in the blast. The explosion was so powerful that it awakened people of nearby houses from deep sleep.

About 250 students were enrolled in the school. The watchman of the school informed the head teacher and police soon after the explosion. Police reached there and cordoned off the area.

Officials of education department also visited the school and met with the head teacher. They were briefed about the explosion and the damage caused by it. They assured the school staff that the destroyed building would be reconstructed soon.