Pakistan: Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claims responsibility for fatal explosion in Baleli, Quetta, Balochistan Province, Nov. 30 /update 1

Event

An explosion targeting a police vehicle near the Customs House at Baleli, Quetta, Balochistan Province, the morning of Nov. 30 has killed two people and wounded at least 24 others. Casualties include civilians and security officers; the official casualty count may rise further. The security convoy was involved in guarding polio vaccination workers. Authorities have cordoned off the blast site. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely in the coming hours.

Context

A high terror risk continues across Pakistan. The TTP, which is an organizationally distinct group from the Afghan Taliban, has been fighting an insurgency against Pakistani forces in Pashtun-dominated areas of northwest Pakistan along the Afghan frontier since at least 2007. The outfit called off a ceasefire with Pakistani security forces effective Nov. 28 and exhorted members to carry out attacks across the nation in retaliation to security operations in the Lakki Marwat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Typical targets include security forces and military installations; large attacks are unlikely in major cities but cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the incident site until authorities give the all-clear. Plan for travel delays in the affected area. Heed security and traffic advisories.