A powerful bomb blast ripped through Wana Bazaar, the main market in South Waziristan’s tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Thursday, killing two civilians and injuring fifteen others. Local sources report that the bomb detonated near a police vehicle, which was the apparent target.

Both police officers and civilians were among the casualties. The injured were immediately transported to the DHQ Hospital in Wana, where several are reported to be in critical condition. Following the explosion, police and security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.

According to details received, the deceased have been identified as Sardar Hussain son of Rozi Khan (resident of Wacha Dana Barmal) and Muhammad Adnan son of Muhammad Ramzan (resident of Dera Ismail Khan). The injured include: Rahman son of Lal Gul (Wacha Khora), Umar son of Mamed Khan (Dezha Gandaye), Gulap son of Ghafoor (Wacha Khora), Muhammad Rahman son of Colonel Khan (Wacha Khora), Nek Muhammad son of Qismat Khan (Kazha Pangha), Zubair son of Fazal Karim (Ghawa Khula), Hafizullah son of Zardad Jan (Mantu Shakkai), Wazirzada son of Qismat Khan (Tanai), Musto Khan son of Sadar Khan (Wacha Khora), Syed Rahman son of Taj Muhammad (Gulja), Noman son of Altaf (Dera Ismail Khan), and Qasim son of Mangal Khan (Toi Khala). Police constables Zubair son of Salam Khan (Kariz Kot) and Faridun son of Muhammad Zubair (Dabkot) were also injured, along with one unidentified individual.

Heavy contingents of police and Frontier Corps (FC) have secured the blast site, collecting evidence. Authorities have instructed civilians to stay away from the area. The bombing occurred amidst ongoing efforts to improve security in the region.