ISLAMABAD: In a brazen act of sabotage that has deepened concerns over thefragile law and order situation in North Waziristan, unidentified attackerscompletely demolished an important bridge over the Kurram River in Shewatehsil on Wednesday using a large quantity of explosives. The powerfulpre-dawn blast shattered the structure beyond repair, abruptly severingvital land connections between Shewa and major hubs including Miranshah,Bannu, and adjoining areas. Local residents awoke to the thunderousexplosion echoing across the valley, underscoring the audacity of theassault in a region long plagued by militancy.
The targeted bridge served as a critical artery for daily public movement,commercial transportation, and essential supply chains in the district. Itsdestruction is expected to inflict severe hardships on thousands ofresidents who now face lengthy detours over alternative routes that areoften unreliable and insecure. Traders transporting goods from Bannu andother neighboring regions will encounter significant disruptions,potentially driving up prices of basic commodities and affectinglivelihoods in this economically challenged area. Security analysts believethe strategic timing and scale of the explosion indicate a deliberateeffort to isolate communities and strain local resources.
According to accounts from local sources, the attackers skillfully plantedsubstantial amounts of explosives beneath the bridge during the earlymorning hours when surveillance was minimal. The operation was executedwith precision, resulting in the total collapse of the structure andleaving debris scattered across the Kurram River. No group has yet claimedresponsibility, though such tactics align with patterns observed inprevious incidents involving anti-state elements operating in the tribaldistricts. Authorities have launched an investigation, with initial reportssuggesting the use of improvised explosive devices commonly employed in theregion.
North Waziristan remains one of Pakistan’s most volatile districts,situated along the porous border with Afghanistan and marked by a historyof military operations against militant groups. Despite sustained effortsby security forces to restore stability following past large-scaleoffensives, sporadic attacks continue to challenge state authority. Recentmonths have witnessed a pattern of targeted violence, including ambushes onconvoys and blasts in public areas, highlighting the resilience of outlawedoutfits seeking to undermine governance and development initiatives.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing counter-terrorismoperations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where forces have eliminated numerousmilitants in intelligence-based actions. In neighboring districts, similaroperations have yielded results, yet the persistence of sabotage in NorthWaziristan raises questions about intelligence gaps and the ability toprevent such high-impact attacks on infrastructure. Tribal elders andresidents have expressed frustration over recurring disruptions that hinderreconstruction projects and normal life after years of conflict.
Experts point out that bridges and roads represent vulnerable targets formilitants aiming to disrupt military logistics and civilian movement alike.The Shewa bridge was occasionally used by security convoys, leading tospeculation that the attack may have been intended to hamper operationalmobility in addition to civilian hardship. Reconstruction efforts willlikely demand significant resources and time, further burdening an alreadystrained provincial administration.
The broader security landscape in the merged tribal districts continues toevolve amid cross-border dynamics and internal challenges. Increasedmilitant activity along the western frontier has prompted calls forenhanced coordination between civilian and military authorities. Thislatest sabotage underscores the urgent need for robust measures to protectcritical infrastructure while addressing underlying grievances that fuelinstability.
Read Top Stories
Community leaders in Shewa have appealed for swift government interventionto establish temporary crossing solutions and expedite rebuilding.Meanwhile, security forces have intensified patrolling in the vicinity toprevent follow-up incidents and restore confidence among the population. Asinvestigations progress, the destruction of this vital link serves as astark reminder of the enduring complexities in achieving lasting peace inNorth Waziristan.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1966918/unknown-attackers-destroy-vital-bridge-in-north-waziristan-disrupting-communication-in-the-region
Tags: North Waziristan, Kurram River, Shewa Tehsil, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
og_image-image-name