Pakistan: Blast in Quetta kills at least 15, injures 32 August 12

Event

The regional branch of Islamic State (IS), Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Quetta, Pakistan which killed at least 15 people (including eight soldiers), and injured at least 32 others on Saturday, August 12. The blast targeted a military truck near a local stadium where celebrations have been held since Friday, August 11, in preparation for the 70th anniversary of Pakistani independence from Britain. Expect an increased presence of Pakistani security forces and paramilitary soldiers in Quetta and surrounding areas for Pakistani Independence Day, officially observed Monday, August 14.

Context

The August 12 attack in Quetta, located near several important private and government buildings, including the provincial assembly building, raises security concerns in the city as the country prepares to mark its Independence Day. The Quetta region of Balochistan province, located in north-central Pakistan, has experienced high levels of violence in recent months and years due to its position along a major arms smuggling route and proximity to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Car bombs, suicide bombings, and armed attacks are common, and often target the Balochistan Frontier Corps, local police forces, and lawyers.

Advice

Due to a high threat from terrorism, as well as kidnapping and sectarian violence, throughout Pakistan, some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country, where foreign nationals, in particular Westerners, may be directly targeted.