Dawn broke with destruction in Pakistan’s restive North Waziristan as unidentified attackers used explosives to obliterate a crucial Kurram River bridge in Shewa tehsil. The Wednesday assault has snapped vital land links to Miranshah, Bannu, and beyond, plunging the area into logistical chaos.
The thunderous blast reverberated across the district, leaving residents terrified and on high alert. Security personnel arrived promptly, sealing the zone while probes into the perpetrators continue amid speculation of militant involvement.
This infrastructure jewel facilitated seamless movement for civilians, merchants, schoolchildren, and officials. Now, its absence cripples healthcare services, disrupts supply lines, and stalls commerce, compelling people to navigate perilous bypasses.
Such strikes are alarmingly frequent. Recall the December bombing of a Bannu bridge and the recent torching of Mir Ali schools. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security woes have drawn sharp rebukes from human rights watchdogs, predicting further decline by 2025.
As the nation grapples with these audacious hits, questions swirl about intelligence failures and the path to reclaiming control in these tribal heartlands. Restoration can’t come soon enough for stranded communities.