Roadside blast kills two soldiers

It is the second improvised explosive device attack in two days

BANNU/ LADHA: Two security personnel were killed in a bomb attack near the Mir Ali town of North Waziristan on Monday.

A convoy was on its way from Speen Wam to Mir Ali when militants targeted the vehicles with an improvised explosive device (IED) at Shakarwandi, an official said. A number of vehicles were destroyed in the attack while two soldiers, Lance Naik Muneer and Naik Shaukat, embraced martyrdom.

Soon after the IED attack, security forces launched a search operation but there were no reports regarding arrests.

Security forces have been attacked in the Mir Ali region after a break of several months while violent acts continue in Data Khel due to the presence of militants in the Shawal mountainous region. Officials have time and again claimed clearing Mir Ali of militants.

The officials said the forces are engaged in ground search operations in a bid to ensure peaceful repatriation and rehabilitation of internally displaced people. At certain places, they have established checkpoints for maintaining law and order.

In another IED attack, three bomb squad members were injured in the Speenkai Raghzai area of Ladha sub-division of South Waziristan. The victims were admitted to a hospital and were said to be out of danger.

The personnel of Bomb Disposal Unit were on a routine patrol when they came under attack, officials said.

It was the second IED attack in two days, as two tribal elders were injured in a similar explosion in the Karakach area of Sararogha.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2015.