Police confirmed on Tuesday that at least three individuals, including a police officer, lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries in two distinct bomb explosions in Pakistan’s volatile Balochistan province.
On Monday, the first incident unfolded in the Kuchlak area of Quetta district, Balochistan province, where a blast at a mosque resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to 15 others.
“People were offering Maghrib prayers when the explosion took place at the mosque,” a police official said.
On Monday, another tragic incident occurred in Khuzdar town, where two individuals lost their lives and five others sustained injuries in a bomb blast at a marketplace near Umar Farooq Chowk.
According to a senior police official, the explosion occurred amidst a bustling crowd, including women and children, who were at the market for Eid shopping.
“Two people have been killed and five others injured in the explosion,” the senior officer reported. Law enforcement authorities promptly responded to the scene, transporting the deceased and wounded to Khuzdar Teaching Hospital.
Initial investigations by the Bomb Disposal Squad indicated that both blasts were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted on motorbikes parked near Umar Farooq Chowk and the mosque.
“It seems the motorbike IEDs were detonated remotely,” the official added.
No banned outfit has claimed responsibility for the blasts thus far. However, in recent weeks, there has been a surge in terror attacks by banned outfits and terrorists in the province, targeting security forces and installations.
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army has asserted responsibility for three major terror strikes in the province, including incidents in Mach town, Gwadar port, and a naval base in Turbat.
These attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 17 militants at the hands of security forces.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Thousands rendered homeless as Gale-Force Winds, heavy rains, and Fires ravage South Africa