On Monday in Bajaur, northwestern Pakistan, a bomb targeting a polio protection team resulted in the loss of at least five police officers, according to officials.
Anwar ul Haq, a senior government official in Bajaur district, reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a police truck transporting around 25 policemen assigned to anti-polio campaign duties. The attack occurred in Mamund, Bajaur district, situated on the border with Afghanistan, an area where militant activities have been on the rise since the Taliban assumed control of Kabul in 2021.
Tragically, at least five police officers lost their lives in the attack, and another 20 sustained injuries, as per Anwar ul Haq’s statement. This grim toll was further confirmed by Kashif Zulfiqar, a senior police officer in the district.
The incident underscores the persistent danger faced by polio vaccination teams and their security escorts in the region. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, Islamist militants, including the Pakistan Taliban, have been implicated in numerous assaults on polio workers in the past.
The international community and local authorities continue to grapple with the challenges posed by extremist elements that pose a threat not only to public health initiatives but also to the lives of those dedicated to carrying them out. Investigations are underway to determine the perpetrators of this heinous act as the affected community mourns the loss of the brave officers who were committed to ensuring the well-being of their fellow citizens.
