In a devastating attack targeting security personnel aiding polio vaccination teams, a bomb explosion in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province resulted in the tragic loss of six policemen’s lives and left 22 others wounded.
The incident unfolded in the Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district, an area fraught with instability and situated along the Afghan border. As the police officers were boarding a van to fulfill their security duties accompanying polio vaccination teams, an explosion ripped through the area, causing extensive casualties among the officers.
Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where a state of emergency was declared to manage the influx of casualties. Tragically, despite immediate medical attention, six policemen succumbed to their injuries, while 22 others continue to receive treatment for varying degrees of wounds sustained in the blast.
Confirming the devastating toll, a police spokesperson emphasized that all the victims were members of the law enforcement unit, reflecting the targeted nature of the attack on those responsible for safeguarding the crucial polio vaccination efforts.
Expressing condemnation and resolve, Caretaker Chief Minister KPK Arshad Hussain unequivocally denounced the assault, reaffirming the ongoing commitment to combat terrorism until the complete eradication of extremist elements.
The targeted nature of the attack highlights the persistent challenges faced by polio vaccination teams in Pakistan. Militants opposing the vaccine have consistently targeted these teams and the security personnel guarding them. While no immediate claim of responsibility has been made for this heinous act, it aligns with past instances where Islamist militants, including factions linked to the Pakistan Taliban, have targeted and killed polio vaccination workers and their protectors.
This tragic incident not only marks a grievous loss of lives but also underscores the continued threat faced by those engaged in critical public health initiatives amidst the persistent challenges of militant opposition. As investigations unfold, the nation mourns the loss of these brave officers and remains resolute in its fight against terrorism, especially in safeguarding essential health programs from such reprehensible acts of violence.
Sources By Agencies
