Two killed and 17 injured in IED attack in Bannu, Pakistan

At least two people, including a child, have been killed and 17 others injured in an explosion near Miryan police station in Bannu district in northwestern Pakistan on Monday 16 February. This was reported by the Pakistani outlet, Dawn.

According to a statement by the police, the bomb was a time-activated IED planted in a motorcycle. Officials said emergency teams promptly reached the scene and moved the bodies and injured to the nearby District Headquarters Hospital and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital.

Following the incident, a heavy contingent of the Bannu police reached the scene, along with the bomb disposal squad and a quick response force.

Police and security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Evidence was collected and an investigation has been initiated.

The bomb disposal squad also engaged in clearing the affected site "to ensure timely and effective prevention of any possible further threat", the police statement said.

According to Dawn, Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months. Both civilians and local security forces have come under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.

In January, two boys were injured in an explosion in the Domel area of Bannu, one of whom succumbed to his injuries after two weeks.