At Least Two Officers Killed, Dozens Injured in Remote-Controlled Attack
A remotely detonated improvised explosive device (IED) struck a police patrol in a busy market in Wana, South Waziristan, on Saturday, resulting in significant casualties. The attack in Rustam Bazaar killed at least two police constables and wounded 31 others, including five officers and 26 civilians.
Details of the Attack
The explosion occurred around 5 p.m. near the main gate of a supermarket as police officers were on a routine patrol. DSP Wana Circle Asghar Ali Shah confirmed the device was planted at the entrance and detonated either by remote control or a timer.
Following the blast, an emergency was declared at the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana. Medical Superintendent Dr. Jan Mohammad reported receiving the bodies of the two slain officers and treating the injured, who included elderly individuals and children.
Response and Investigation
Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a formal investigation. Three critically injured police officers—SHO Wana Saifullah, SI Muhammad Ali, and Additional SHO Momin—were airlifted to a military hospital in Peshawar for advanced treatment.
The funeral prayers for the martyred constables, Mirza Alam and Gul Shah, were held with full official honors at the Wana Police Lines late Saturday, attended by senior district and security officials.
Official Condemnation and Broader Context
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Suhail Afridi strongly condemned the attack, expressing sorrow over the loss of life and directing the police chief to submit a detailed report. He affirmed the government’s support for the victims’ families and ordered the provision of the best possible medical care for the wounded.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing military operations in the border regions targeting terrorist elements. The Chief Minister stated that such “cowardly acts” would not weaken the resolve of the people or the government.
