Roadside explosion: Five security personnel injured in Hangu blast

Bomb was remotely detonated to target a security forces convoy.

HANGU: Five security personnel were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Sarozai, Doaba in Hangu on Monday.

The explosion occurred around 9am when a convoy of security forces was passing through Doaba. DPO Anwar Saeed Kundi said the bomb had been placed by the roadside and was remotely detonated when the convoy was close enough.

At least five security personnel were injured in the ensuing blast, he said. They were rushed to DHQ Hospital and are said to be in a stable condition, said Kundi. The vehicle they were travelling in was also partially damaged, he added.

After the blast, police cordoned off the area and started a search, however, no arrests were made till the filing of this report.

According to Kundi, the device had been planted by unidentified militants, however, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet.

Bomb blasts have become a routine occurrence in Hangu.

On July 17, six children died in a blast in Dorri Bandha near the road which leads from Hangu to neighbouring Kurram Agency. The children had gathered at the site of an improvised explosive device blast when a second bomb exploded. Three children were also injured in the twin explosions.

On the same day, three security officials were injured when a bomb was remotely detonated, targeting a convoy of personnel. The blast took place in Doaba.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th,2014.