Terror wave jolts Bannu, South Waziristan

Girls' school blown up, police station bombed, and multiple abductions sow fear

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MIRANSHAH/ BANNU:

A fresh wave of terrorism and lawlessness has once again raised serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the tribal districts of South Waziristan Lower and Bannu district.

In the latest incident, unidentified terrorists blew up a government girls' primary school with explosive material in the Sara Ghora area of Barmal Tehsil, South Waziristan Lower, during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. The blast was so powerful that the entire school building was reduced to rubble.

District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Tahir Shah Wazir confirmed the incident and said a case has been registered while police have initiated an investigation. No group has claimed responsibility so far, but initial evidence points to an act of terrorism.

Local sources said this is the third government educational institution in South Waziristan Lower to be targeted with explosives in recent months. Tribal elders and civil society strongly condemned the attack, terming assaults on educational institutions as attacks on the future of the region, especially at a time when girls' education in remote areas already faces numerous challenges.

Meanwhile, Bannu district witnessed a series of security incidents on Wednesday that left residents deeply worried.

Terrorists used a quadcopter to drop two locally made bombs inside the premises of the Haved Police Station in the morning. The explosions injured two FC personnel and caused partial damage to two official vehicles. The injured personnel received immediate medical treatment.

In a separate incident, Nisar Ahmed, head teacher of the Government High School in Mandiu area of Miryan Tehsil, was allegedly abducted by armed men from the school premises. The kidnapping has caused widespread concern in educational circles, with teachers expressing fears over their safety.

On Tuesday evening, a suspected drone attack in the Narmi Khel area under Bakakhel Police Station injured rickshaw driver Asifullah. He was shifted to a nearby health facility for treatment.

The same day, mortar shells were fired at Bannu Cantonment. Two mortar rounds landed at the old ROD Ground, exploding with a loud bang. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though panic spread in the area.

In additional incidents, retired FC man Ali Mar Khan was abducted from Jani Khel.