Who Blows Up a Bridge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mir Ali?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bridge destruction severely impacts local connectivity.
- Increased security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Community members, especially vulnerable groups, are most affected.
- Authorities are investigating the unidentified attackers.
- Local businesses and agricultural activities face significant setbacks.
Islamabad, Jan 18 (NationPress) A significant bridge in the Mir Ali tehsil of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was destroyed by unknown assailants using explosives, leading to considerable hardships for local inhabitants, according to reports from regional media on Sunday.
Authorities indicated that the blast occurred in the Khushhali (Makinah) village of Mir Ali, carried out by unidentified individuals late at night, which obliterated the bridge and severed land connections between the area and various neighboring regions, markets, and agricultural fields, as reported by Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.
In response to the explosion, police and security personnel arrived at the scene, secured the area, and commenced an investigation. The police statement highlighted that local residents faced significant challenges due to the bridge's destruction.
Community members expressed that school-going children, patients, elderly individuals, and women were particularly affected by the loss of the bridge. Additionally, local businesses and agricultural operations suffered setbacks due to this infrastructure damage.
Recently, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced a surge in attacks targeting its infrastructure.
Earlier this week, another crucial bridge over the Kurram River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was similarly demolished by unknown attackers, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the beleaguered district. The incident took place in the Shewa tehsil of North Waziristan district, disrupting land routes between the area and several neighboring regions, including Miranshah and Bannu.
Local sources reported that assailants had placed a substantial quantity of explosives beneath the bridge early in the morning. The blast was powerful enough to be heard from several miles away, instilling fear and panic among the residents.
Reports indicate that the damaged bridge, which served as a critical communication link in the area, will create significant challenges for the local population, as it was essential for the daily movement of civilians, patients, students, traders, and government personnel.
The destruction has also impeded access to medical facilities, the delivery of essential goods, and routine commercial activities, forcing the community to depend on lengthy and arduous alternative routes.