IS terrorist attack kills 30 people before Pakistan election

The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the two explosions in a message on its Telegram channel on Wednesday.

The scene of an IS terrorist bombing in Khanozai, Balochistan, Pakistan on February 7, 2024. Photo: AP

Pakistanis will go to the polls on Tuesday (February 8) amid a surge in militant attacks and the jailing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities say they are stepping up security at polling stations.

The first attack, which killed 18 people, occurred at the office of an independent election candidate in Pishin district. The second explosion in Qilla Saifullah, near the Afghan border, went off near the office of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI), a party that has been a frequent target of militant attacks in the past.

In the second attack, Qilla Saifullah Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai said 12 people were killed and 25 injured by a device planted on a motorbike parked near the office.

Several other groups, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and separatist groups from Balochistan, oppose the Pakistani state and have also carried out attacks in recent months.

Two consecutive attacks have left at least 30 people dead and damaged a lot of property. Photo: AP

On Monday, a terrorist attack also killed 10 people at a police station in northwestern Pakistan. The TTP said it was targeting police and security officials rather than election candidates.

Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement that the western border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan will be closed and reopened on Friday to ensure security during the election.

“I am appalled by today’s terrorist attacks and condemn those who seek to prevent people from voting,” said British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott.

The attacks came as political parties wrapped up their election campaigns. Mr Khan, in a message from prison, had earlier urged his supporters to gather outside polling booths. Other political parties also held large rallies during the campaign.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/khung-bo-is-tan-cong-khien-30-nguoi-thiet-mang-cang-thang-bau-cu-pakistan-gia-tang-post284009.html