Two Pakistani Police Killed In Blast In Former Militant Stronghold

Bajaur has long been considered a sanctuary for the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan, known as the Pakistani Taliban.

Two Pakistani policemen have been killed by a roadside bomb in a former militant stronghold in the country’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, authorities said on August 19.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack near Dama Dola area of Bajaur tribal district, which borders Afghanistan.

District police chief Abdus Samad Khan said the bomb was remotely detonated. He said a search was under way to find the perpetrators.

Bajaur has long been considered a sanctuary for the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as the Pakistani Taliban.

More than a decade ago, the military declared that the region was cleared of local and foreign militants following a series of military operations, but isolated militant attacks continued there.

The Pakistani Taliban hasn't claimed responsibility for any attack since May, when talks started between the TTP and Pakistani government officials in Kabul. A cease-fire has also been in place since then.

The talks are hosted by the Afghan Taliban, whose takeover of power in Afghanistan has emboldened the Pakistani Taliban.

Based on reporting by AP and Aaj News