Pakistan: Attacks on 12 schools in the north August 2

Event

On Thursday evening (local time), August 2, 12 schools in the northern town of Chilās near Gilgit were burned down in a coordinated attack; no casualties have been reported. Following the attacks, residents began protesting near Siddique Akbar Chowk, demanding justice and safety for education institutions. While no group has claimed responsibility as of Friday, August 3, Taliban-linked militants are known to be active in the region.

Context

Pakistani Taliban and allied Islamist militants, who view girls' education as anti-Islamic, have attacked hundreds of schools in the northern region in recent years, according to local authorities. In 2011, at least two girls' schools were damaged in low-intensity explosions in Chilās.

Advice

Individuals near Chilas are advised to avoid the area where the attack took place, remain vigilant for militant activity and signs of civil unrest, and avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution.