The investigation report of the blast in Bajaur that claimed the lives of five people including an assistant commissioner has revealed indications of a partnership between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State Khorasan Province.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has completed its report on Wednesday’s devastating bomb blast in Bajaur. The report reveals that investigators recovered motorcycle parts, explosive remnants, and blood samples from the blast site. The CTD also confirmed the discovery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fragments.

The CTD report notes that Amaaq News Agency, the media wing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), claimed responsibility for the attack. Simultaneously, accounts linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also asserted involvement. The CTD expressed concern, suggesting the incident could indicate a potential collaboration between ISIS and the TTP, or a competition to claim credit for the attack.

The report further identifies seven suspected terrorists involved in the bombing. Wednesday’s blast killed three people, including the Assistant Commissioner and the Tehsildar.

The FIR of the incident had said that the IED that was used in the explosion was fixed to a motorcycle.