Karachi, Pakistan – A major explosion rocked the vicinity of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport late last night, killing at least three people, including two Chinese nationals. Approximately 30 others are feared injured, the majority of whom are reported to be Chinese citizens.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing, stating that the attack specifically targeted a vehicle carrying Chinese engineers. The BLA, a separatist group active in the region, has released a photo of the suicide bomber responsible for the attack.
The blast, which is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber, occurred as a convoy of foreign nationals was passing near the airport. The attack appears to have been aimed at Chinese personnel involved in infrastructure projects in Pakistan, underscoring the BLA’s ongoing opposition to foreign investments, particularly those related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos following the explosion, with emergency services responding swiftly to the incident. Several of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, and the death toll may rise as authorities continue their rescue operations.
This attack comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan, just ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government meeting, which the country is set to host. The incident has raised significant security concerns, especially given the growing tensions surrounding foreign involvement in Pakistan’s development projects.
Security officials have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the attack. The BLA, which has carried out similar attacks in the past, is known for targeting foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers, to draw attention to their separatist cause.
Highlights:
- Location: The blast occurred near Karachi International Airport.
- Casualties: 3 confirmed dead, including 2 Chinese nationals; about 30 feared injured.
- Claim of Responsibility: The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for the attack.
- Target: Vehicle carrying Chinese engineers, part of a convoy of foreign nationals.
- Motive: Suspected terror attack by BLA ahead of the SCO Heads of Government meeting.
- New Development: BLA released a photo of the bomber.
The attack has heightened concerns over the security of foreign nationals in Pakistan, particularly Chinese citizens involved in major development projects. Pakistan’s government is expected to release an official statement addressing the situation shortly.
