Pakistan: At least ten killed in attack in Balochistan January 29

Event

At least three unidentified gunmen attacked a police station in Loralai (Balochistan province) on Tuesday, January 29. According to security officials, one of the assailants detonated a suicide vest ahead of an armed assault on the police station, killing at least ten people and wounding 20 others. Reports indicate the attackers targeted a police entry exam. Similar militant 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 Balochistan province are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, many Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Pakistan, except to the capital Islamabad.