Drone strike destroys high school in North Waziristan

District administration says investigations underway to confirm whether it's a drone or another form of explosion

MIRANSHAH:

A suspected drone attack has destroyed nearly 80 per cent of Government High School Shamazan Kot in the Miami Kabul Khel Dorazinda area of Shewa tehsil in North Waziristan, just days before schools were scheduled to reopen on March 1.

The blast occurred late at night when the school was closed and unoccupied, sparing students and staff from any casualties or injuries, local sources and officials confirmed.

The powerful explosion was heard across the region, spreading fear and panic among residents. District administration officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said investigations are underway to determine the nature of the attack and to confirm whether it was indeed a drone strike or another type of explosion.

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Evidence is being collected from the site, while police and security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

A senior district official stated that security for educational institutions will be tightened immediately, and emergency measures are being taken for the school’s reconstruction and restoration.

Local residents expressed deep concern and anger over the incident. With schools already facing challenges in the conflict-prone region, parents and community leaders fear it will further deter education.

A tribal elder lamented, “Education is already struggling here. If schools are targeted, what future awaits our children?”

 

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One student’s father told reporters that the government must not only rebuild the school swiftly but also ensure lasting peace so children can study without fear.

This is not the first such incident in North Waziristan and adjoining tribal districts, where terrorist groups have previously targeted educational buildings with explosives, and security operations have occasionally caused collateral damage.

Weeks earlier, a similar alleged drone attack in the area injured children and a teacher, with investigations still ongoing.

The latest attack has heightened anxiety ahead of the academic restart, underscoring the persistent threats to education in the volatile region.