Pakistan: Suicide attack on security forces in Quetta April 9

Event

At least seven people were injured when a suicide attacker blew himself up near a Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle on routine patrol in the Baleli Chowk area of Quetta on Monday, April 9. Initial reports suggest the suspect was in his early twenties. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which destroyed the FC vehicle. Belili is considered to be one of the most sensitive areas in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province.

Context

The threat of terrorism and sectarian violence has been high throughout Pakistan in recent years, with the main threat coming from Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan (TTP). Government personnel, government institutions, and security forces, including police, are often targeted. As such, individuals present in this volatile South Asian country should avoid key government installations and gatherings of uniformed personnel, as well as places of worship, also often targeted.

Advice

As a reminder, many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the vast majority of the country, including Quetta, with the exception of the capital Islamabad and the area between the capital and the cities of Lahore and Faisalabad.