Pakistan: At least six wounded in IED blast in Balochistan January 24

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) attached to a motorcycle detonated in the town of Turbat (Balochistan province) on Thursday, January 24. According to local sources, at least six people, including four members of the Frontier Corps auxiliary force, were wounded in the attack. 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.