Pakistan: Suicide attack targeting foreign nationals in Balochistan August 11

Event

On Saturday, August 11, a suicide attack targeted a bus carrying Chinese nationals near the Iranian border in the Dalbandin region, 340 km (210 mi) from Quetta (capital of Balochistan province; southwest). An attacker detonated his car bomb as the bus, transporting workers and paramilitary soldiers to a mining site, approached. Six passengers were injured in the explosion. 

Insurgents belonging to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Balochistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is Pakistan’s largest, poorest, least inhabited, and least developed province, despite significant gas and mineral wealth.

Advice

As a reminder, some foreign governments advise against all travel to much of Pakistan, including Balochistan province.