Pakistan: Explosion kills four people in Quetta (Balochistan province) July 30

Event

An explosion killed at least four people and wounded up to 20 others in Quetta's Meezan Chowk area (Balochistan province), near the City Police Station, on Tuesday, July 30. Further information regarding which individual or group carried out the apparent attack was not immediately reported.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the affected area over the coming hours. Similar attacks are possible in Quetta and elsewhere in Balochistan province over the near term.

Context

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qai'da, Islamic State (IS) affiliates, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Afghan Taliban, and other Islamist militant groups continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to push them from their strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan has suffered numerous deadly attacks in recent months, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Advice

Individuals in Quetta are advised to monitor developments, avoid the affected area, remain vigilant for militant activity, report suspicious objects and behavior to the police, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.