Pakistan: Ongoing militant attack wounds several in Peshawar Dec. 1

Event

An ongoing suspected militant attack in Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) has wounded several people on Friday, December 1. Initial reports claim that at least 11 people have been wounded after at least four gunmen launched an attack on Peshawar Agricultural Training Institute on Friday morning (local time). A large explosion was also heard in the complex. Pakistani security forces have reportedly surrounded and cordoned off the area, exchanging fire with the suspected militants; sporadic fire is ongoing in the area.

Context

Multiple terrorist organizations are present in the areas around Peshawar, including Al-Qai'da and Islamic State (IS) affiliates, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, and the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, among other militant groups. Militant attacks are common - occurring every week - in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.