NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Two children lost their lives and eight others were injured on Thursday when an explosion tore through a madrassah in the Isori village of Mir Ali, after young students inadvertently triggered an explosive device left behind by militants, according to security sources.
Initial reports indicate the blast was caused by leftover improvised explosive material planted by khawarij militants to obstruct security forces’ operations in the region. The device detonated while children were present inside the religious seminary, resulting in the tragic casualties.
IED-Contaminated Areas Still Being Cleared
Security officials revealed that 114 square kilometres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had earlier been declared contaminated with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and land mines. The Pakistan Army has cleared 82 square kilometres so far, while demining teams are working “at an accelerated pace” to sweep the remaining hazardous areas.
Authorities warn that unexploded ordnance left behind by militants continues to pose a serious threat to civilians, especially children who may mistake such objects for harmless items.
Recurring Tragedies Involving Children
Incidents of children mishandling explosive remnants remain distressingly common in the region. In August 2025, five children died and 13 others—among them two women—were injured in Lakki Marwat’s Langerkhel Surband area after a group of children found a mortar shell in nearby fields. The device exploded when they attempted to play with it near a rainwater tank.
The latest blast renews calls for expanded demining operations, improved public awareness, and stronger community-level reporting of suspicious objects to prevent further loss of life.
