Pakistan: Motorcycle-borne IED wounds nine in Chaman (Balochistan province) March 7

Event

A motorcycle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) wounded at least nine people in Chaman (Balochistan province) on Saturday, March 7. The IED reportedly detonated on Taj Road, targeting security and tax officers. Police have cordoned off the affected area for an associated investigation.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in the incident area over the coming hours. Similar attacks are possible 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 northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan has suffered numerous deadly attacks in recent months, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Advice

Individuals in Chaman (Balochistan province) are advised to monitor developments, avoid the affected area, 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, some Western governments advise their citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan as foreign nationals, and Westerners, in particular, may be directly targeted.