DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Crime & Justice

Two roadside blasts in north-west Pakistan kill 7: Police

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Twin roadside bomb blasts in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed at least seven people and wounded three.
  • The attack targeted a passenger pickup truck with a remote-controlled improvised explosive device, followed by a second blast as the injured were transported.
  • Pakistan's Prime Minister condemned the attack and vowed to eliminate terrorism, while tensions remain high with neighboring Afghanistan over militant activity.

At least seven people died and three were injured in twin roadside bomb attacks in Pakistan’s north-west Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on June 20. Police reported that a remote-controlled improvised explosive device struck a private pickup truck carrying passengers in Bannu district.

A private pickup truck carrying passengers was targeted with a remote-controlled IED.

— Yasir AfridiA police officer in Bannu district describing the first explosion.

Tragically, a second improvised explosive device detonated as the wounded were being transported to the hospital in a car, exacerbating the casualties. No group has immediately claimed responsibility, but the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other militant organizations are known to be active in the region.

... the injured were being transported to hospital in a car for emergency treatment when a second IED exploded.

— Yasir AfridiA police officer in Bannu district describing the second explosion.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing sorrow for the loss of life and reaffirming the government's commitment to eradicating terrorism and bringing perpetrators to justice. The incident occurs amidst heightened tensions between Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of harboring militants. The Taliban government in Kabul has consistently denied these allegations.

remained committed to eliminating terrorism

— Muhammad Shehbaz SharifPakistan's Prime Minister condemning the attack and vowing government action.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated, leading to armed conflicts, including Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan cities in June that reportedly killed at least 12 people. The shared border has been largely closed since October, disrupting bilateral trade and further straining diplomatic ties.

bringing those responsible to justice

— Muhammad Shehbaz SharifPakistan's Prime Minister condemning the attack and vowing government action.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog