A violent improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Serai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, injured nine people, including four police officers, on Wednesday. The explosion took place on the busy Bannu-DI Khan Road near a fruit and vegetable market, according to local authorities.
District police spokesperson Qudratullah Khan told media that the blast targeted a police patrol van from the Shaheed Asmatullah Khan Khattak police station. The officers were performing routine duties when the terrorists detonated the device.
Police Officers Among the Injured
The injured policemen include Head Constable Waheedullah and Constables Syed Anwar, Hadiullah, and Ikramullah. Their van sustained significant damage in the blast. Police confirmed that the IED had been fitted to a motorcycle, which was used to target the moving patrol vehicle.
Besides the police personnel, five civilians were also injured. They were identified as 16-year-old Fidaullah, 13-year-old Yasir, eight-year-old Zahidullah, 55-year-old Suleman, and Mujeeb. Local residents reported that the blast also damaged nearby shops, parked vehicles, and a power transmission line, disrupting the local community.
Emergency Response and Medical Assistance
Sajjad Khan visited the injured at the hospital and directed authorities to provide immediate and comprehensive medical care. He assured the public that the police force remained resilient and committed to countering terrorist activities.
“These cowardly attacks will not break the morale of our police force. We remain fully prepared to foil the nefarious plans of enemies of peace,” he said. The statement highlighted the police’s determination to maintain security in the region despite repeated attacks.
Recent Spike in Attacks on Police
This incident follows a similar attack in Lakki Marwat’s Bettani subdivision just two weeks ago. In that attack, seven policemen, including an officer, were killed when an IED targeted a police vehicle on routine patrol. Six of the deceased were from the Shadikhel police station, highlighting a concerning pattern of repeated threats to law enforcement in the district.
Authorities have called for vigilance and heightened security measures. Local police units are coordinating with regional forces to track and neutralize terrorist networks responsible for these attacks. The government and law enforcement officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and protecting both civilians and police personnel.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents remain on high alert, and authorities are continuing investigations to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
