Two children were killed and eight others injured when old explosive material left behind by terrorists detonated inside a madrassa in the Isori village of North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area, officials said on Thursday.

According to local authorities, the blast occurred when children accidentally triggered the explosive while playing.

Medical teams were immediately engaged with nearby facilities to ensure emergency treatment for the injured.

Security officials said the device was part of the leftover landmines and improvised explosive material planted by Fitna al-Khawarij during the height of the war on terror.

These mines were widely used across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to hinder security operations and spread terror.

Isori’s surrounding hills were once strongholds used by terrorists to stage attacks, with similar tragic incidents previously reported in Bajaur, Lakki Marwat and other districts.

Past events, officials said, show that even women and children have not been spared from the impact of these abandoned explosives.

Data shared by security agencies indicates that 114 square kilometres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were identified as contaminated with mines and explosive remnants.

The Pakistan Army has so far cleared 82 square kilometres through extensive demining operations, while work continues around the clock in the remaining areas.

Officials said the military’s demining efforts aim to safeguard civilians and prevent further casualties.

They warned that the extremist agenda of the Khawarij continues to pose a serious threat to peace and safety in the province.