Blast targets polio team in Bajaur Agency

Three, including two security forces personnel and a driver, injured in roadside blast

BAJAUR AGENCY: At least three people, including two security forces personnel and a driver, were injured in an blast targeting a polio team travelling through the Mamund area of Bajaur Agency Wednesday morning.

Officials said an Improvise Explosive Devise (IED) device was planted on the roadside and detonated when the vehicle was passing by. As a result of the blast, the vehicle was damaged and three people were injured, including the driver of the vehicle.

The injured were shifted to the Agency Head Quarter Hospital and so far, no deaths have been reported.

A three-day campaign, which commenced on Monday, was due to end today in Bajaur Agency.

According to a surgeon, Zakir Hussain, of Agency hospital about 224, 000 children were to be immunised in the three-day campaign and 1,600 teams were formed for the entire campaign, which include levy officials and peace committee volunteers.

Polio teams across the country have recently been subject to similar target attacks and are often bereft of security when carrying out anti-polio campaigns.

About 42 union councils had to postpone their anti-polio campaigns due to lack of security.