Pakistan: Separatists kill at least nine in Balochistan July 2-3

Event

Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) militants killed at least six people and wounded two others in a complex attack on a paramilitary convoy in Awaran district (Balochistan province) on Monday, July 2. On Tuesday, July 3, the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in the town of Dera Bugti (Balochistan province) that killed three oil surveyors and wounded five others. Additional Baloch separatist attacks are possible in the abovementioned areas, and in other parts of Balochistan province, in the near-term.

Context

The southwestern province of Balochistan has experienced a low-level insurgency by Baloch nationalists intermittently since 1948. Multiple Baloch separatist groups, such as the BLF and the BRA, demand increased political autonomy for the Baloch people in Pakistan and control over natural resources within the province.

Advice

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

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.