SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A child was killed and another injured when an improvised explosive device went off on Wednesday in the Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil of Lower South Waziristan district.

According to police and district administration, the IED was planted near an FC checkpost. They said the explosion took place early in the morning when three children from the Sulemankhel tribe were grazing goats near the checkpost.

One of the children stepped on the hidden IED, triggering the blast. As a result, a boy, identified as Masood, died on the spot. Another child, Sabir, was critically injured. Police officials said the injured child was immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Wana.

SHO Azam Warsak police station Alamgir Mehsud said the IED was planted by unknown persons with the apparentintenttotargetsecurityforces.

Security sources said the IED was likely intended to target FC personnel or their vehicles.

It is worth noting here that just three days earlier, a deadly IED explosion rocked the bustling Rustam Bazaar in Wana, claiming at least 12 lives and injuring 18 others.

Residents have urged the government and security agencies to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace in the area and ensure the safety of citizens. Correspondent