Lower South Waziristan (Wana): At least three people, including prominent Ahmadzai Wazir tribal elder Malik Tariq Wazir, were killed and four others injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the busy Rustam Bazaar area of Wana on Monday morning, officials said.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Tahir Shah Wazir, the blast occurred near Gulshan Plaza as a vehicle carrying Malik Tariq was passing through the market. The explosion struck at peak hours, killing three individuals on the spot and injuring four others.
Police officials stated that unidentified militants had reportedly planted explosive material near Gulshan Plaza during the night, which was remotely detonated in the morning. Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack.
Rescue teams and local residents shifted the bodies and injured to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Wana. Medical Superintendent Dr Jan Mohammad confirmed that two of the injured were in critical condition and were receiving emergency treatment.
The blast triggered panic in the densely populated market area, forcing shopkeepers to close businesses and halting commercial activity for several hours.
Malik Tariq Wazir was considered an influential tribal figure in Lower South Waziristan, widely known for his role in resolving tribal disputes and participating in jirgas aimed at maintaining local peace and order. He had also previously been abducted by armed men in December 2024 before being released after negotiations mediated by tribal elders.
The attack comes amid a recent surge in violence in the region. Earlier this month, three children were killed and several others injured in separate incidents in South Waziristan. On May 1, tribal elder Malik Saifullah Khan Dawar was shot dead outside his residence in North Waziristan after reportedly intervening against suspected militants occupying a local mosque. In late April, another tribal elder, Malik Fazal Wahid, was killed in Bajaur district despite having survived multiple assassination attempts.
Security officials say investigations into Monday’s bombing are underway.