Attack on polio vaccination team in Pakistan

In a tragic incident in northwest Pakistan, unknown assailants opened fire on a polio vaccination team, killing a health worker and a police officer in charge of security, according to local police reports.

The brutal attack took place in the Bajaur tribal district, a region bordering Afghanistan, just two days after Pakistan launched a national campaign to eradicate polio in the country. Although the virus has been largely eradicated worldwide, it still poses a threat to public health.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, similar attacks have previously been attributed to Islamist militant groups who view the vaccination efforts as Western plots to sterilize children. In response, a local police union has called for a strike and a boycott of security services for the ongoing campaign.

(With contributions from agencies.)