South Waziristan, KP — A remote-controlled bomb attack on a police van in South Waziristan has resulted in 13 injuries, including six police personnel and seven civilians. The attack occurred on Kir Kot Road in Wana Rustam Bazar, targeting a vehicle deployed for the security of a polio vaccination team.
The explosion took place early Monday, as the police van was en route to provide security for polio workers conducting a vaccination campaign. According to police officials, the blast was triggered by a remote-controlled bomb. Emergency response teams promptly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana.
One critically injured individual has been transferred to Dera Ismail Khan for specialized medical treatment. Medical Superintendent Dr. Hamad Mahmood confirmed that the injured include both civilians and police personnel, underscoring the gravity of the attack.
The attack occurred on the first day of an anti-polio campaign in the region, which aims to vaccinate approximately 70,000 children over the age of five. District Health Officer Dr. Inayat Rahman reported that strict security measures were in place for the campaign, with 480 police personnel assigned to protect 297 vaccination teams across the district.
The security forces were providing protection to the polio teams, which have historically been targets of militant attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern regions. Despite the high security, the attack highlights the persistent risks faced by both polio workers and security personnel in these conflict-prone areas.
South Waziristan, part of the tribal belt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), has been a hotspot for militant activities and attacks on security forces and humanitarian workers. The region’s volatile security situation poses significant challenges for polio eradication efforts.
Polio vaccination teams have faced numerous threats and attacks over the past decade, leading to a heightened atmosphere of fear among those involved in the campaign. The targeting of security personnel who protect these teams further exacerbates the difficulties in ensuring the safety of public health workers.
In July 2024, similar attacks injured two police officers assigned to polio duty in the Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts, illustrating the ongoing threats faced by those working to combat polio in Pakistan.
Following the attack, the area was cordoned off, and an investigation into the incident has commenced. Authorities are working to identify those responsible for the attack and to prevent further incidents. The attack has drawn condemnation from various quarters, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and continued efforts to protect both polio workers and security personnel.
The incident underscores the complex security challenges faced in conflict regions of Pakistan, where efforts to eradicate polio are often met with violent opposition. Despite these challenges, the commitment to public health and the safety of vaccination teams remains a priority for both local and national authorities.
