Pakistan: Gunmen murder 16 people in Ormara area April 18

Event

A passenger bus traveling along the Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan’s Ormara area was held up by unidentified gunmen during the early morning hours (local time) of Thursday, April 18. According to initial reports, between 15 and 20 attackers stopped the bus in the Buzi Top area around 00:30 and 01:00. During the incident, the gunmen opened fire, killing at least 14 passengers; two victims were able to escape and alert the nearest security forces. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing and the motive for the attack is unclear. No group has immediately claimed responsibility.

Context

The security situation in Balochistan is complex due to the activities of several armed militant and terrorist groups, including the Pakistani Taliban and various Baloch insurgent groups.

Advice

Individuals in Balochistan are advised to remain vigilant at all times 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 against nonessential travel to Pakistan except for the capital of Islamabad as foreign nationals, particularly Westerners, may be directly targeted.