By Noor Ali
WAZIRISTAN: A roadside remote-controlled bomb exploded on a police van carrying personnel for a polio security campaign on Kari Kot Road in Rustam bazar, Wana, on Monday morning. Thirteen people, including six policemen and seven civilians, were injured in the blast.
The blast occurred around 8:30 am when the police van was en route to the Kari Kot area. Officials said the polio campaign had started in the area, and two police vans from the police line Wana were targeted with a remote-controlled bomb on Kari Kot Road.
Medical Superintendent/Health Manager District Headquarters Hospital Wana Dr. Hammad Mahmood said six policemen and seven civilians were among the injured. The treatment of the injured is ongoing, and the condition of all the injured except one is out of danger.
Police sources confirmed the incident and said the area has been cordoned off. The investigation into this tragic incident has been started. Police said the remote-controlled bomb was planted by unknown persons on the roadside at night.
District Health Officer of Lower South Waziristan District Dr. Anayat Ur Rahman said the five days polio campaign has been started across the district, and a total of 70,921 five-year-old children are being administered polio drops.
He said strict security arrangements have been made across the district, with 480 police personnel deployed for the security of polio teams.
Similarly on Sunday, a remote-controlled bomb exploded on the car of tribal elder Jameel near Kari Kot bazar, martyring his son. Four people, including Malik Jameel, were injured.
Additionally, armed men attacked the block party of the security forces at Satay Khullah in Tehsil birmal on Sunday evening, injuring an official.
Local political parties leaders said, the recent incidents have raised concerns about the security situation in Waziristan. The government and security forces must take immediate action to establish peace and ensure the safety of the people.
Leaders of all local political parties in Wana strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep concern. Local political leaders have demanded that the federal government and provincial governments take concrete steps to establish peace in the Lower South Waziristan district.