Explosion near Wana kills Afghan girl, injures boy

Security forces, police cordoned off area, launched an investigation to determine nature of explosives

An explosion occurred on the Wana–Karikot Road near Faizullah Kot in South Waziristan’s Lower Wana on Friday, when explosive material planted in a bridge on the main road detonated, police sources said. The blast took place as a Biju car was crossing the bridge.

The incident resulted in the death of an Afghan refugee girl, while a boy was injured and immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Police confirmed that the explosive material had been in place for several days before detonation.

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After the blast, security forces and police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the nature of the explosives and identify those responsible.

The affected area, located about three kilometres from Wana city, is inhabited and includes the residence of tribal elder Malik Jameel, a pro-government tribal malik. The bridge leads to his house, and initial investigations suggest Malik may have been the intended target.

Authorities said further details would be shared as the investigation progresses.