Pakistan: Blast wounds multiple people in Quetta on October 14

Event

An explosion reportedly wounded at least 14 people in Quetta (Balochistan province) on Wednesday, October 14. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the blast, which occurred near the Kidney center on Samungli Road, was caused by a grenade attack, although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected around the incident site over the coming hours. Similar attacks are possible in Quetta over the near term.

Context

Extremist Islamist groups, including the terrorist organization Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TPP) and various terrorist groups under its umbrella, continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to push them from their northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border.

Advice

Those in Quetta are advised to monitor developments, avoid the affected area, and report any suspicious items or activity to security forces.