All those killed and injured were participants of the public gathering convened by Nasirullah, who will be contesting from NA-41, South Waziristan. PHOTO: FILE
At least two tribesmen were killed and 22 others injured on Friday when four rockets landed near two separate political gatherings close to Wana Rustam Bazaar of Wana subdivision, South Waziristan.
Political administration officials said the rockets were fired at around 11:30am from the north.
Two rockets landed near the public gathering of independent candidate Nasirullah Wazir in Mughal Khel, local tribesman Anwarullah told The Express Tribune. Two people died as a result, while 22 others were injured.
“As the rockets landed near us, I fell on the ground and my belongings spilled out of my pockets. The explosion created panic and people started running. Fortunately, I escaped, but I saw others lying injured on the ground,” he said.
All those killed and injured were participants of the public gathering convened by Nasirullah, who will be contesting from NA-41, South Waziristan.
The other two rockets landed in Wacha Khura area, north of Wana Rustam bazaar. One rocket fell in Awaz Khel Kalay in an open area, with no casualties reported. The other landed near Wana Bypass near the political gathering of another independent candidate contesting from the same constituency, Abdul Khaliq Wazir.
Though participants of the gathering quickly dispersed following the incident, no casualties were reported.
Soon after, the political administration of South Waziristan declared an emergency at Agency Headquarters Hospital, Wana, where all the doctors were ordered to report and administer aid to the injured.
Of the 22 injured, 15 were admitted to Agency Headquarters Hospital, while seven were referred to the military hospital in Scouts Camp, Wana.
As news of the incident spread, Wana Rustham Bazaar closed down for the day and people rushed to their homes. Traffic also remained thin.
Rockets are often fired towards Wana Rustam Bazaar from the Kot Konr Mountains in the north, but no one has claimed responsibility so far.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2013.
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