A suicide bomber detonated explosives in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, killing 15 people. The regional Health Ministry reported the casualties, with 38 injured, eight of whom remain hospitalized.
A special investigative team has been formed to probe the incident. The regional anti-terrorism department has launched a criminal case against unidentified suspects.
The explosion took place on Tuesday in a parking lot near the local stadium following a large rally organized by the Balochistan National Party. Pakistani authorities noted that the suicide bomber was unable to reach the rally site due to stringent security measures, preventing further loss of life.
The security situation in Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has been tense since late 2021 because of increased activity by nationalist and separatist groups opposing the Pakistani government’s efforts to strengthen central authority. These groups pose a threat to the security of the Gwadar port in Balochistan, a key asset in China’s global “Belt and Road” initiative, along with other infrastructure projects in Pakistan supported by China.
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Based on materials from TASS