South-west Pakistan: At least 22 killed in attack by gunmen. The killers struck where security forces were battling a long insurgency in the southwestern province of Balochistan overnight.
What Happened?
The armed men halted the vehicles, checked identity documents, and reportedly shot those people identified as Punjabi. The vehicles were then burnt down. A militant group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack in Musa Khel district.
Series of Attacks
During the past 24 hours, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has attacked several state buildings such as; Police stations and security camps in the entire province. In Kalat, 11 were killed five of them security personnel. Six more bodies were discovered in a separate district.
Official Statements
Musa Khel was among the three attacks in which around 30 to 40 militants were involved, regional senior official Najibollah Kakar said. Independent “There were 22 vehicles that they stopped,”.
The BLA claimed the personnel were traveling in civvies and that was heckling them. They asked the Baloch people not to use the road, saying their struggle was against the Pakistani army.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the suicide terrorist attack and expressed deep grief over it. Among the four provinces of Pakistan, Balochistan is the richest in terms of resources but it remains one of the less-developed provinces.
Background
The BLA and several other Baloch separatists are known to target Punjabis and Sindhis from elsewhere in Pakistan who work in the region. They have also attacked foreign energy companies, claiming they are plundering the area and keeping all profits for themselves.
Nine victims were ordered off a bus in the Balochistan area and killed on April 18 after they identified themselves. Many Western countries including the UK and US have labeled BLA a proscribed terrorist organization.
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