Rocket attack in South Waziristan kills CTD officer, two civilians

Unidentified assailants launched a rocket attack on a vehicle in Wana, South Waziristan, killing three people, including an officer from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

The attack occurred near Baghicha Stop, where a "fielder" vehicle became the target of a rocket attack, followed by gunfire, according to police sources.

The sudden and intense assault left a CTD officer and two civilians dead.

Authorities transferred the bodies to Wana Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of yet.

On Saturday, the military's media wing reported that four terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the security forces in the general area Sarwakai, South Waziristan District on reported presence of Khawaraj.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release, the Khwarij's location was effectively engaged by the troops during the operation, as a result of which, four khwarij were killed.

Meanwhile, in North Waziristan, a polio vaccination campaign on October 29 was suspended after 15 armed men forcibly seized weapons from three police officers assigned to protect the vaccination team in the region’s Shiwa area.

Local police confirmed that the officers were guarding the polio workers when the attack occurred.

Meanwhile, in Upper Orakzai’s Dabori area, gunmen targeted another polio team, opening fire on the police officers assigned for their protection.

The attack claimed the life of one police officer, while another was injured and is receiving medical treatment.

Following the Orakzai assault, police and Frontier Corps personnel launched a search operation in the area to apprehend those responsible.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) noted that security forces are actively responding to ensure the safety of ongoing vaccination campaigns amid growing security concerns.

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for carrying out successful operation against Khawarij in South Waziristan.

The acting president lauded the bravery of the security forces for sending four Khawarij terrorists to hell during the operation, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

The security forces targeted terrorist hideouts with utmost bravery and professionalism, he said; and expressed the national resolve to continue operations till the complete elimination of Fitna-tul-Khawarij.