Militants blow up key bridge in North Waziristan

An explosion destroyed a key bridge over the Kurram River in the Shewa tehsil of North Waziristan on Wednesday, cutting off a major route used by residents to travel to nearby towns and districts.

The bridge, which linked Shewa with Miranshah, Bannu and surrounding areas, was blown up, leaving the region without a crucial land connection.

Local residents said that unknown attackers placed a large amount of explosives under the bridge during the early hours of the morning. The powerful blast was heard from far away and caused panic among people living in nearby villages.

Soon after the explosion, police and security personnel arrived at the site, sealed off the area and began an investigation to determine who was behind the attack.

The loss of the bridge is expected to create serious problems for the local population. It was a vital passage for daily travel, used by patients heading to hospitals, students going to schools and colleges, traders transporting goods, and government employees commuting to work.