Peace committee member killed, 8 injured in IED blast in Upper South Waziristan market

An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in a market in Upper South Waziristan on Friday, resulting in the death of one peace committee member and the injury of eight others, police reported. The explosive device was attached to a motorcycle, according to Dera Ismail Khan Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir Makin. The device detonated around 10:45am in the bustling Makeen Bazaar.

Among the nine injured were three peace committee members - Inayatullah, Sharat Khan, and Bangi Khan. The injured individuals were taken to the Razmak Hospital for treatment, while the remaining victims received medical assistance at a nearby health facility. Deputy Superintendent of Police Hidayatullah later informed that Inayatullah had succumbed to his injuries post-hospitalization.

The blast caused damage to several shops, destroying merchandise and other items inside. In response to the incident, police cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation to gather evidence and identify potential suspects. A preliminary investigation was launched, with authorities examining various aspects of the blast to determine the perpetrators.

This incident occurs amid rising concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Upper and Lower South Waziristan. Residents have expressed significant apprehension over the surge in bomb blasts, targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion demands against traders, and attacks on police and security forces. Earlier this week, armed men targeted a peace committee member in the Sararogha tehsil, resulting in the martyrdom of a police official and injuries to the peace committee volunteer.