Wana, Lower South Waziristan — An IED exploded in Rustam Bazaar on Saturday evening. It killed two policemen and injured 31 people. Five of the injured were other police officers.

The blast hit around 5 p.m. near the main gate of a supermarket. Police say terrorists hid the device at the entrance. They set it off with a remote or timer as the patrol walked past. The explosion threw shrapnel everywhere. It caught officers and many shoppers in the busy street.

Quick Response from Locals and Rescue Teams

People who live nearby ran to help right away. Other police officers joined them. Rescue volunteers arrived fast too. They carried the wounded out of the smoke. Some used stretchers. Others used their arms or even motorbikes. Ambulances took everyone to District Headquarters Hospital as soon as possible.

Who Was Hurt and How Badly

Two policemen died before doctors could save them. The injured officers include SHO Saifullah, Sub-Inspectors Ali Muhammad and Muzammil, ASI Momin Khan, and Constable Lal Muhammad.

Twenty-six civilians also got hurt. The group included elderly people, teenagers, and young children. Many suffered leg, chest, and face wounds.

One more station house officer arrived in very bad shape. Doctors moved him quickly to South Waziristan Scouts Hospital for better care.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Jan Mohammad said the staff gave everything they had. “We treated each person as fast as we could,” he told reporters.

CM Afridi Condemns the Attack

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice soon after. He called the act “cowardly.” He ordered the Inspector General of Police to send a full report. Afridi sent deep condolences to the families of the dead. He promised the government will stand by them.

Additionally, he also directed officials to give the best medical care to every injured person. Afridi said these attacks will never break the will of the people or the government.