A powerful explosion struck Wana Rustam Bazaar in South Waziristan on Saturday killing two police officers and injuring at least 18 civilians, according to local authorities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Asghar Ali Shah confirmed that the blast occurred in the busy market area of Wana the main town of South Waziristan Lower district. He said that explosive material had been planted near the gate of a supermarket in the crowded bazaar.

The explosion resulted in the martyrdom of two police personnel who were on duty in the area. In addition, four other police officers sustained injuries in the blast. The powerful explosion also wounded at least 18 civilians, including several children who were present in the market at the time of the incident.

Rescue teams and security forces quickly arrived at the scene and shifted the injured to District Headquarters Hospital Wana for medical treatment.

Following the incident, hospital authorities declared an emergency to deal with the large number of injured patients.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the nature of the attack and identify those responsible for planting the explosives.