Pakistan: Deadly attack in Lajjey (Balochistan) May 3

Event

Overnight on May 3-4, unidentified armed men attacked a group of construction workers working on a telecommunications antenna in Lajjey (Balochistan province). According to local sources, at least six workers were killed in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Friday, May 4.

Context

Balochistan province, located in north-central Pakistan, has been plagued by violence in recent months and years, due in large part to its placement along a prominent arms smuggling route. Car bombs, suicide bombings, and armed attacks are common and often target local security forces as well as lawyers.

Advice

Individuals in Balochistan are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities.

Due to a high threat from terrorism throughout Pakistan, as well as kidnapping and sectarian violence, some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Foreign nationals, and in particular Westerners, may be directly targeted.