Pakistan: Three militants killed Balochistan province May 17

Event

Pakistan army media sources announced the killing of three militants near Quetta (Balochistan province) during raids carried out by Pakistani troops on Thursday, May 17. According to the military spokesperson, one of the casualties was a senior member of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi terrorist group. One military officer was killed during the operation and four were injured.

Context

Quetta district, located in north-central Pakistan, has been plagued by violence in recent months and years, due in large part to its placement along a prominent arms smuggling route. Car bombs, suicide bombings, and armed attacks - perpetrated by various Baloch insurgent groups as well as a number of terrorist groups - are common and often target local security forces as well as lawyers.

Advice

Individuals present in Balochistan are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities.

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 as foreign nationals, and in particular Westerners, may be directly targeted.