SOUTH WAZIRISTAN  - A man was killed and three others wounded when a rocket struck an election rally of an independent candidate in NA-41, South Waziristan on Friday. Reportedly four rockets were fired from the nearby Wacha Khwara Mountains, one of which landed in the area where the rally was going on and other three rockets fell at Rustam Market and a nearby locality.
The rally was a part of the election campaign by Naseer Ahmed, who - along with 50 other candidates - will contest elections from the constituency of NA-41, South Waziristan Agency. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Agencies add: The attack took place in Wana, the main town of South Waziristan, where the Taliban and other militants have strongholds. One rocket fell in Wana Bazaar, a second exploded outside the house of local independent candidate Naseer and the third near the rally being attended by “hundreds of people”, the officials said.  There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but local tribesmen said the Taliban had banned political rallies in or around Wana bazaar and Naseer had been fined for holding a rally in the area two days ago. Naseer narrowly escaped the attack. The injured were shifted to Wana Headquarters Hospital.  As many as 38 candidates, including those of PTI, JI, PPP, JUI-F and PML-N, are taking part in the election in NA-41.
Meanwhile, militants in Lower Orakzai region ambushed security forces in Dabori area. Three security personnel were injured in the attack, sources said, adding, at least five militants were killed in retaliatory action by security forces.