Pakistan: Death toll from July 13 attacks in southwest and north rises to 133 /update 1

Event

A suicide bomb attack hit a Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) campaign event in southwestern Pakistan on Friday, July 13, as political tensions run high in the country ahead of the July 25 general elections. At least 129 people were killed and dozens more injured in the blast, which took place in Mastung (Baluchistan province). Among the fatalities was Siraj Raisani, a candidate for the Baluchistan provincial assembly; Raisani is the second political candidate to be killed in pre-election violence in the past week. According to Pakistani security officials, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Also on Friday, a bombing killed four people and wounded 19 more in Bannu (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan). That attack took place near an election rally site for the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) party As of Saturday, July 14, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing in Bannu. Increased security and transportation disruptions should be expected in Mastung and Bannu in the aftermath of Friday's attack.

Context

Friday's attacks come amid a tense political time across Pakistan, as the country prepares to hold general elections on July 25. On July 10, a suicide bomber attacked an Awami National Party (ANP) rally in Peshawar, killing 20 people including the ANP candidate for the provincial assembly, Haroon Bilour, and injuring 69 more.

Advice

Individuals in Mastung and Bannu are advised to avoid the attack sites and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities. More generally, individuals in Pakistan are advised to avoid all political gatherings. As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, Western governments usually advise their citizens against all nonessential travel to Pakistan. Remain vigilant at all times and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.