Seven martyred in twin terror blasts in Bannu's mountainous region

BANNU: At least seven people were martyred and three others injured in two successive explosions in Marka Bera, a semi-tribal mountainous area of Bannu’s Wazir subdivision, on Saturday in what authorities described as a terrorist attack.

Confirming the casualties, Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi said security forces and law-enforcement agencies swiftly reached the area, collected evidence and launched a comprehensive investigation into the incidents.

According to police, the explosions occurred in the Phang Musa Khel area and targeted two vehicles through remote-controlled explosive devices.

Police said the first explosion targeted a private Datsun vehicle carrying passengers and travelling towards Domel.

The powerful blast killed five people on the spot and completely destroyed the vehicle. Rescue teams and local residents immediately rushed to the scene and began efforts to evacuate the victims.

Authorities described the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism” aimed at innocent civilians.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a second blast occurred nearly one kilometre away from the site of the first attack while the injured were being transported for medical treatment.

The second explosion killed two more people and destroyed another vehicle, bringing the death toll to seven.

Rescue 1122 teams shifted the bodies and injured victims to Domel Rural Health Centre and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital for treatment and medico-legal procedures.

Following the attacks, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down those responsible.

Authorities also initiated a thorough sweep of the surrounding region amid concerns that additional explosive devices might have been planted.

Investigators are collecting forensic evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the coordinated attacks.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the improvised explosive device attacks and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.

In a statement, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The president also warned those providing support, financing and safe havens to terrorist groups, stressing that such elements would be brought to justice.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international peace, stating that terrorist organisations would not be allowed to undermine the country’s diplomatic achievements or national security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the blasts, expressing grief over the tragic loss of life and praying for the recovery of those injured.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq described the targeting of innocent civilians as a cowardly and reprehensible act, reiterating the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing Bannu district, which has witnessed a series of militant incidents in recent months.

Just last week, militants attempted to destroy the Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road using explosives, causing partial damage to the structure. Earlier this month, two police constables were martyred in separate targeted attacks in the district.

Last month, fierce clashes between militants, law-enforcement personnel and members of a local peace committee left at least two police officials and two civilians martyred, while security forces eliminated 25 terrorists.

Amid the deteriorating security situation, a tribal jirga held earlier this week called on the government to take decisive measures to eradicate militancy and restore lasting peace in the region.

The twin blasts have once again highlighted the threat posed by terrorist networks operating in remote areas and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.