Three people, including a prominent tribal leader, were killed and four others injured in a remote-controlled explosion near Rustom Bazaar in Wana, South Waziristan Lower, on Monday, officials said.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Tahir, the blast targeted a vehicle carrying members of the Ahmedzai Wazir tribe. Among those killed was the head of the Ahmedzai Wazir tribe, along with two other individuals who were travelling with him.
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Police officials confirmed that the explosion was triggered using a remote-controlled device planted along the roadside. The intensity of the blast caused severe damage to the targeted vehicle, resulting in multiple casualties on the spot.
Immediately after the incident, security forces and police personnel reached the area and cordoned it off to secure evidence and prevent any further threat. A search operation was launched in the surrounding locality to trace the perpetrators.
The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where emergency services were provided. Authorities said some of the injured were in critical condition, and efforts were underway to transfer them to better medical facilities if needed.
Police and security agencies have begun a detailed investigation into the attack, examining possible motives and identifying those responsible. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident.
The attack has raised concerns over security in the region, which has witnessed sporadic militant violence in recent years despite ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace.
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Local residents expressed grief over the killing of the tribal elder, describing him as a respected figure in the area who played a key role in local dispute resolution and community affairs.
Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and further strengthen security measures in the area to prevent such incidents in the future. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.