A drone strike in South Waziristan’s Wana tehsil injured 22 people, including seven minors, after shells were reportedly fired at a volleyball ground in the Azam Warsak area. The attack occurred around 8 pm, according to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Wana, which received the injured. Among the wounded, a 13-year-old boy and another man were in serious condition and referred for advanced medical care. Seven others, including teenagers aged 15, 18, and 19, suffered major injuries, while the remaining 13 had minor wounds, with two later discharged.
Local sources reported that the strike was followed by heavy gunfire, spreading panic among residents. Hospital officials urgently requested blood donations due to the severity of the injuries.
PTI-affiliated MNA Zubair Khan Wazir strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “brutal and inhumane act with no justification.” He accused those responsible of targeting civilians under false pretenses and demanded an immediate government investigation. “This is part of a heinous conspiracy to sabotage peace in the region,” Wazir stated, warning that such incidents fuel unrest.
The attack comes just two weeks after a similar strike in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali tehsil killed four children and injured five others. While locals initially blamed security forces, the military denied involvement, attributing that attack to the banned TTP. The recent incidents have heightened tensions in the tribal districts, with residents fearful of further violence.
No group or authority has yet claimed responsibility for the latest strike, leaving the community demanding answers and justice. The lack of official statements has only deepened frustrations, with calls growing for accountability to prevent future attacks on civilians.
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