Tribal chief among 3 killed in Wana blast

MIRANSHAH:

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.