Two Students Killed in North Waziristan Seminary Blast; Multiple Killings Reported in Bajaur, Bannu

NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Two children were killed and 16 others injured on Wednesday when a mortar shell exploded inside a seminary in the Esuri area of Mirali tehsil. The blast occurred at Madressah Shams-ul-Quran in Sher Mohammad Kot village around 2pm after some students brought the unexploded device into the compound.

Initial reports indicate the children found the mortar shell outside the seminary and, mistaking it for a toy, began playing with it when it detonated. The explosion killed two young students on the spot and wounded 16 others, who were later shifted to hospitals in Bannu and nearby areas.

Sources said security forces had earlier cautioned the Esuri tribe that a mortar shell had landed in the area and that civilians should avoid it. However, due to lack of awareness, children picked up the device, leading to the tragic incident.

Two Missing Youth Found Dead in Bajaur

In a separate development, the bodies of two missing young men were discovered on Wednesday in a mountainous region of the Mala Said area in Salarzai tehsil, Bajaur.

Police and residents said Abdur Rasheed, 23, and Shahid Khan, 24, had disappeared on Tuesday while returning home from Mala Said Banda mountain. Their bullet-riddled bodies, bearing signs of severe torture, were found by locals the next morning.

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According to Israr Khan, spokesperson for the police, the victims had been fetching water for Khaza post on donkeyback when unidentified assailants abducted them between the Soori and Khaza mountains. The bodies were shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Pashat, for further procedures. Police suspect the killings may be linked to terrorism, though no group has claimed responsibility.

Three Killed in Separate Attacks in Bannu

Meanwhile, three people were killed in separate incidents in Bannu district on Wednesday. Near Nala Kashoo in Domel, two cousins — identified as Kiramatullah and Mohammad Khan — were shot dead by unidentified attackers while searching for their cattle, according to their family.

In another incident, unknown motorcyclists opened fire on a man in Bannu city’s Miryan area, killing him on the spot. The victim was identified as Qalandar Shah.

Police in both districts have launched investigations but no arrests have yet been reported.