Bridge blown up in North Waziristan

MIRANSHAH:

A bridge over the Kurram River in North Waziristan's Shewa tehsil that served as an important channel of communication was blown up by unknown attackers on Wednesday.

The bridge was completely destroyed, severing land links between the area and Miranshah, Bannu and other adjoining regions.

According to locals, unidentified attackers planted a large quantity of explosives beneath the bridge during the early morning hours.

The explosion was heard from many miles away, spreading fear and panic among the area's residents.

Following the incident, police and security forces reached the incident site and cordoned off the area. An investigation was launched into the incident.

The destruction of the bridge is likely to cause severe hardships for the people as it served as an important route for the daily movement of civilians, patients, students, traders and government employees.

Its collapse has also disrupted access to healthcare facilities, supply of essential goods and routine commercial activities, forcing the region's residents to use much longer and more difficult alternative routes.

The locals added that security forces' convoys occasionally used the route as well, leading to concerns that the attack may have been aimed at destabilising the region and undermining peace.

According to officials, the bridge was primarily used by civilians for relief operations and movement.

Tribal elders strongly condemned the incident, calling it a "heinous and cowardly act".