SOUTH WAZlRISTAN: Twenty-two civilians, including children and youth, were injured on Tuesday evening when a suspected quadcopter dropped munitions in the Birmal tehsil of Lower South Waziristan district, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred near Karmazi Stop on the Wana-Azam Warsak Road.

Local sources said following the explosion, intense gunfire was reported, causing widespread panic and prompting residents to flee in fear.

The District Headquarters Hospital in Wana declared an emergency in response to the incident. Hospital administration said that several of the injured were in critical condition and urgently required blood donations.

Police sources confirmed that all 22 injured individuals were swiftly transported to Wana Hospital. Two of the injured, who are said to be in critical condition, were evacuated to a hospital in Dera Ismail Khan.

Both the district administration and police officials have verified that the injured were civilians.

Residents of the area strongly condemned the incident, calling the attack deeply regrettable. They expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the region.

Deputy commissioner Nasir Khan told Dawn on phone that prompt medical aid was provided to all the injured. A security official, however, denied reports of a drone strike, but reported heavy fighting with militants in the area, resulting in injuries to four children.