Pakistan: Two injured in Peshawar bomb attack May 8

Event

Media sources indicate a bomb detonated in the early hours of Monday, May 8, in Peshawar’s Khattak Pull area (Shamsharu). The bomb apparently targeted a Counter Terrorism Department vehicle, injuring two security personnel. Around the same time, explosives were discovered near a school in the Urmarh area. The explosives were reportedly destroyed in a controlled detonation, resulting in no injuries and some damage to the school building. The areas of both explosions were cordoned off shortly after the incidents and investigations are reportedly underway, with regional police on high alert.

Context

A suicide bombing was perpetrated outside the office of the Peshawar Development Authority in Peshawar’s Hayatabad area on Wednesday, February 15. Initial reports indicated two suicide bombers detonated their explosive devices, killing two other people and injuring ten. The attack, which reportedly targeted an official’s vehicle, occurred as several officials from the provincial government were expected to inaugurate a new department at the Hayatabad Medical Complex.

Security conditions have improved somewhat in the country in recent years. However, extremist Islamist groups continue to pose a threat, carrying out attacks despite an army offensive launched in 2014 to push them out of their northwestern strongholds, located near the border with Afghanistan.

Advice

Individuals present in Pakistan are advised to remain vigilant and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

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