Tragic Explosion Strikes Former Taliban Stronghold in Pakistan

A devastating explosion occurred in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a previous Taliban stronghold, killing two children and wounding others. Police are investigating if explosives were being mishandled. The region, bordering Afghanistan, frequently experiences violence from the Pakistani Taliban, distinct from the Afghan Taliban, but empowered since 2021.

A tragic explosion tore through a residence in Mir Ali, a former haven of the Pakistani Taliban, resulting in the deaths of at least two children and injuries to several others, according to local police officials.

The blast, which is under investigation, might have been caused by the mishandling of explosives to create a bomb, noted local police chief, Irfan Khan.

The incident unfolded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a volatile area neighboring Afghanistan, where the Pakistani Taliban and other insurgents regularly launch attacks, emboldened by the Afghan Taliban's 2021 resurgence.

(With inputs from agencies.)