Narrow escape: ANP leader targeted in IED blast

IED was planted on a roadside, which went off when ANP leader Haji Gulzada’s car passed by

KHAR:

An Awami National Party Bajaur leader narrowly escaped a remote controlled improvised explosive device (IED) attack on his car on Thursday. According to the political administration, an IED was planted on a roadside in Serai, Mamond tehsil, Bajaur Agency, which went off when ANP leader Haji Gulzada’s car passed by.

The car was damaged in the blast but Gulzada remained safe. The political administration along with security force officials launched a search operation in the area against suspected militants.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack till the filing of this report. Taliban militants are attacking tribal elders, peace committee volunteers and political figures in Bajaur Agency. More than 800 ANP workers and leaders lost their lives in militant attacks over the past few years, said the party.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2015.