One killed, eight injured in IED blast in Upper South Waziristan’s Makeen Bazaar

One peace committee member was killed while eight people were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED), planted on a motorcycle, exploded in Makeen Bazaar in Upper South Waziristan district on Friday, police reported.

Dera Ismail Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghulam Mubashir Makin told The Express Tribune that the IED had been planted on a motorcycle by unidentified individuals. The device exploded at around 10:45am, injuring nine people in the busy market.

He said, "Three peace committee members — Inayatullah, Sharat Khan and Bangi Khan — were among those injured in the blast."

The injured peace committee members were shifted to the Razmak hospital for further treatment, while the other injured civilians were taken to a local health facility for medical assistance.

Following the explosion, police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Security was tightened in and around the market, while personnel conducted a search for evidence and possible suspects.

Later, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hidayatullah, a police spokesperson, told The Express Tribune that peace committee member Inayatullah, who was injured in the blast, later succumbed to his injuries.

Police sources said that the IED blast damaged several shops in Makeen Bazaar, while goods and other items inside some shops were also damaged.

RPO Makin said police had registered a preliminary report and launched an investigation into the incident. He added that different aspects of the blast were being examined to identify those responsible for planting the explosive device.

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Police officials said the investigation into today’s blast was under way and further searches were being conducted in the area.

Authorities were also examining the circumstances surrounding the planting of the IED and were trying to determine the identity and whereabouts of those involved.

Security personnel remained deployed in the area following the blast, while the situation was being closely monitored.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Upper South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan.

Residents have expressed serious concern over the increasing frequency of bomb blasts, targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion demands against traders, and attacks on police and security forces.

Earlier on Tuesday, armed men attacked a member of a local peace committee in the Sararogha tehsil of Upper South Waziristan. A police official was killed in the attack, while the peace committee volunteer sustained injuries.

The repeated incidents have created a sense of insecurity among residents and traders in the two districts. Local people have called for stronger security measures and effective intelligence-based operations to prevent attacks and ensure the safety of civilians.