Two roadside bomb blasts in northwestern Pakistan killed at least seven people and wounded three others, police said on Saturday. The first explosion targeted a private pickup truck carrying passengers, and the second detonated as rescuers arrived.

Police officer Yasir Afridi stated that the bombs were remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The injured were being transported to hospital when the second IED exploded.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. No group has claimed responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and other militant groups operate in the area.

Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan for a surge in cross-border attacks, though the Taliban government in Kabul denies providing sanctuary to militants. Tensions have escalated into clashes, including Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan cities.

This month, Pakistani airstrikes killed at least 26 Taliban fighters, according to Pakistan, while Afghanistan reported 12 civilian deaths. The border has been largely closed since October, freezing bilateral trade and disrupting movement.

Source: www.aljazeera.com