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A roadside bomb struck a convoy of foreign diplomats visiting northwest Pakistan, killing a police officer in their security detail. The diplomats were on their way to a tourist resort when a police van escorting their convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. Police confirmed that one officer died on the scene and three others were injured. The diplomats, who were visiting the Swat valley area on the invitation of the local chamber of commerce, included ambassadors from various countries such as Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, and others. Despite the attack, all the ambassadors were reported safe.
Pakistan’s President and foreign ministry condemned the attack, emphasizing that terrorist elements are enemies of humanity. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Following the attack, police and the Pakistani army initiated a search operation in the area and imposed a curfew. The Swat valley has been a known hotspot for Islamist militant insurgency, with militants escalating their attacks since late 2022 after breaking a cease-fire with the government.
The valley gained international attention in 2012 when Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was shot and seriously wounded by Islamist militants. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in the region despite efforts by Pakistani forces to combat terrorism.
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