BANNU: Seven people were killed and three injured after two separate explosions rocked the semi‑tribal mountainous area of Marka Bera in Bannu’s Wazir sub‑division.
Bannu District Police Officer Yasir Afridi confirmed the fatalities and injuries, noting that security forces and law‑enforcement agencies swiftly arrived, secured the scene, collected evidence and opened an investigation.
The police statement described the attacks as remote‑controlled blasts targeting two vehicles in the Phang Musa Khel area, condemning the acts as “cowardly terrorism.”
The first explosion struck a private Datsun carrying passengers en route to Domel, destroying the vehicle and killing five occupants. As victims were being transported to hospital, a second blast detonated nearly a kilometre away, killing two more people and destroying their vehicle as well.
Rescue 1122 teams later moved the bodies and the injured to Domel Rural Health Centre and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting a thorough sweep for any additional explosive devices.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the improvised explosive devices, expressed deep grief for the victims, and extended condolences to the families while urging a swift recovery for the injured.
He warned that terrorists and their external supporters aim to undermine Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and peace efforts, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to regional and global stability and asserting that the terrorists will be defeated.
Terrorism Surge in Bannu
The June 22 attacks underscore the ongoing security challenges in Bannu’s remote, mountainous terrain, heightening concerns among residents about civilian safety on local routes.
In recent months, Bannu district has experienced a series of violent incidents, affecting both civilians and security personnel amid a broader rise in militant activity.
A week earlier, militants attempted to demolish the Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road, causing partial damage.
On June 12, two police constables were killed in separate targeted attacks in Bannu.
Last month, at least two police officers and an equal number of civilians lost their lives, while 25 militants were killed during a fierce clash involving law‑enforcement, a peace committee and insurgents.
Amid the rising wave of terrorism, a jirga convened on Thursday urged the government to take immediate action to eradicate militancy from the region.
