Pakistan: Another explosion reported near Quetta's Sariab Road late April 10 /update 2

Event

Authorities are responding to another explosion near Quetta's Sariab Road near Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani School late April 10. Reports indicate the assailants allegedly attempted to target a Station House Officer by installing an explosive device inside a poll near Sariab Road. The blast has left at least two wounded; casualties may rise over the coming hours. The explosion follows another incident that occurred earlier along Shaara Iqbal Road, near Khandari Bazar, which left at least four people killed and eight others injured. No group has not as yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Increased security measures are likely to continue until officials conclude their investigations and depart the incident scenes. Additional small-scale explosions targeting security personnel are possible over the coming days. Associated localized transport disruptions are likely to occur.

Context

Separatist groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), often carry out small-scale attacks on security forces, pro-government leaders, and workers from other parts of Pakistan in Balochistan Province. Most attacks occur in rural areas. The BLA also typically targets development projects in Balochistan associated with the high-profile Chinese-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Advice

Avoid the blast sites. Exercise heightened vigilance in Quetta. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Limit travel near areas where security forces are congregating.