Waziristan: On Saturday, a tragic bomb blast occurred in the Gulmir Kot area of North Waziristan, Pakistan. The explosion claimed the lives of 11 workers and left two others injured.
According to a statement from a police representative, the blast targeted the vehicle in which they were travelling. While investigations are underway, comprehensive details about the incident have not yet been disclosed. This incident is reminiscent of another act of violence that occurred a few weeks ago; a major suicide attack in Bajaur resulted in the deaths of at least 63 people, including 23 children. Over 200 individuals were also injured in that attack.
Reports suggest that the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the bombing in Bajaur, specifically targeting an election rally held in Pakistan’s border district. The suicide bomber detonated his device near the stage where 400 attendees, mostly from the Jamiat Ulema e Islam (JUI F) party, were waiting for speakers to address them. The JUI F is a party led by Fazlur Rehman and serves as a significant coalition partner in the government.
Details reveal that this suicide bombing occurred in Khar town, near the Afghanistan border, during a gathering of JUI F affiliates and supporters. The event started at 2 pm. The explosion occurred around 4:10 pm.
This increase in violence can be attributed to the end of the ceasefire agreement between the Pakistan government and the banned group Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (TTP), which came to a close in November of the year.