Seven killed by roadside bombs in northwestern Pakistan region

At Least Seven Killed in Roadside Bomb Blasts in Pakistan

A roadside bomb blast occurred on Saturday in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. The incident involved a private pick-up truck carrying passengers, which was targeted with a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED). According to police officer Yasir Afridi, the injured were being transported to hospital for emergency treatment when a second IED exploded, injuring three more people.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the attack and stated that the government will investigate the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. The Pakistan Taliban (TTP) and other armed groups operate in the area, but no official statement from these organizations has been made.

The Pakistani government has previously accused Afghanistan of providing a sanctuary for armed groups, which has led to tensions between the two countries. In recent months, clashes have escalated, including Pakistani air strikes on Afghan cities. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains largely closed, with bilateral trade and movement of people and goods severely disrupted since October.

In a separate incident this month, Pakistani air strikes near the border killed at least 26 Taliban fighters, according to the Pakistani government. However, the Afghan government reported that 12 civilians were killed in these strikes. The situation on the border has remained volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.

Source: Al Jazeera