Three killed in Wana blast, including tribal chief, in targeted attack in K-P

A powerful explosion in Wana, the main commercial hub and headquarters of Lower South Waziristan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, killed at least three people, including Ahmadzai Wazir tribe chief Malik Tariq Khan, and critically injured two others on Monday, police said.

The blast occurred near the gate of Khanzada Market while Khan’s vehicle was passing through the area, District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Tahir Shah Wazir confirmed. The explosion resulted in the targeted vehicle being severely damaged, while windows of nearby shops and buildings were shattered.

DPO Wazir said that initial evidence suggests the explosive device was planted near the market gate during the night under the cover of darkness. He said the market was closed at night and people were at home, which was exploited by the attackers to plant the device secretly.

Initial investigations suggested the vehicle was specifically targeted using explosive material. Preliminary evidence indicates the attack may have been carried out with a remote-controlled device. CCTV footage from various locations and other information is also being reviewed.

Police identified the other two deceased as Malik Sarfaraz Khan Yar Gul Khel and Yar Gul Khail Jan. The two injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where hospital sources described their condition as critical.

Following the incident, police, security forces, and bomb disposal squad personnel reached the site and cordoned off the area. Security agencies also launched a search operation in and around Wana Bazaar, while checkpoints at entry and exit routes were tightened.

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent (MS) of Wana Hospital, Jan Muhammad, told the Express Tribune that three injured people were brought to the hospital after the blast, two of whom are in critical condition. He said the seriously injured are being provided immediate medical treatment, while an emergency has been declared in the hospital and all medical staff have been put on high alert.

According to the MS, the injured have sustained severe wounds, and doctors are making continuous efforts to save their lives. He added that if necessary, critically injured patients may be shifted to Peshawar or Dera Ismail Khan for better treatment.

Police officials said investigations into the nature of the blast and the explosive material used were ongoing, with authorities examining multiple aspects of the incident. Tribal elders, along with local political and social figures, strongly condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those responsible.

Last week, at least nine people, including two traffic police officials, were martyred, and 33 others sustained injuries in a powerful explosion that ripped through a busy market area in Lakki Marwat district.

Read More: Death toll from Bannu police attack rises to 15

Fifteen police personnel were martyred in a brazen attack on a Bannu police checkpoint, as a banned outfit, Ittehad Mujahideen Pakistan, belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, claimed responsibility on May 10.

On the night between Saturday and Sunday, terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel police checkpoint in Bannu, triggering a massive blast that completely reduced the structure to rubble.

Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan said that a total of 18 police personnel were present at the checkpoint at the time of the attack. "Of them, 15 embraced martyrdom on the spot, while three sustained serious injuries," he said. The explosion also caused extensive damage to nearby residential buildings and structures.