Two sabotage attempts targeting school, bridge foiled in Bannu

BANNU: Security forces and the Bomb Disposal Unit foiled two major sabotage attempts in Bannu district on Wednesday night, including a bid to destroy a government girls' school and another targeting a key link bridge, according to officials and local sources.

The first incident took place in Mama Khel village in the Khairki area of Tehsil Hassan Khel, where unidentified attackers planted explosive material inside Government Girls Middle School Mama Khel under the cover of darkness. The blast partially damaged the school building, with cracks reported in several classroom walls, shattered windowpanes and doors, and damage to other parts of the structure.

Local sources said the school was closed at the time of the explosion, preventing any casualties among students, teachers and staff. The attack triggered fear in the area, while parents voiced concern over the safety of girls' educational institutions.

Police, security forces and other relevant officials reached the site after receiving information, cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Initial findings suggested the attackers intended to damage a state-run educational institution, spread fear among residents and disrupt academic activity. Authorities also started a detailed survey of the building to determine the scale of the damage.

Bridge attack averted

In the second incident, miscreants placed a drum packed with explosives beneath an important link bridge in the Bachki area of Jani Khel, apparently to blow it up and cut off traffic. Security forces and the Bomb Disposal Unit responded quickly and defused the device, preventing what officials described as a potentially serious attack.

Security sources said the bridge's destruction could have badly disrupted transportation and may have caused heavy loss of life had the explosives not been neutralised in time.

Following the two incidents, law enforcement agencies registered cases and launched investigations. Search operations and intelligence-based measures have been intensified across the district to identify and arrest those involved, while security officials said they were committed to protecting civilians, educational institutions and government installations.