One killed, 10 injured in blast in Pakistan's Karachi: Details
What's the story
A Pakistani paramilitary soldier was killed and 10 others including two Rangers personnel were injured in an explosion claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army in Karachi on Monday. The terror attack in Karachi's congested Orangi town was carried out through a bomb planted on a parked motorcycle which was detonated when a Ranger's vehicle passed through the area.
Information
The attack was meant to cause maximum damage
Television channels showed the wreckage of the motorcycle and a damaged car at the explosion site. Senior police official Suha Aziz told the media that the attack was meant to target the Ranger's vehicle and cause maximum damage.
Investigation
Counter-Terrorism Department launched an investigation
"Ranger's personnel were passing through the area in a vehicle when the bomb, fitted in a parked motorcycle, went off," Aziz said, adding that the bomb squad was called to the area. Investigators were trying to obtain CCTV footage from the site of the blast as the police's Counter-Terrorism Department launched an investigation.
Sindh Governor's statement
An immediate inquiry into the attack is essential: Sindh Governor
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has termed the blast as a matter of great concern. In a tweet, he said that an immediate inquiry into the attack was essential. The Baloch Liberation Army in the last couple of years has claimed responsibility for two major terror attacks which were thwarted by the security forces.
Twitter Post
Here is what he tweeted
An explosion near a Rangers mobile in Orangi Town Karachi is a matter of great concern. Immediate inquiry into this incident is essential. Medical aid should be provided to the injured. We realise their sacrifices for restoration of peace in Karachi.
— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) March 15, 2021
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BLA had earlier attacked Chinese consulate in Karachi in 2018
In November 2018, three suicide bombers of BLA attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area but were killed by security forces before they could enter the building. Two security guards lost their lives.
Other attacks
BLA also claimed responsibility for the Karachi Stock Exchange attack
In June 2020, the BLA claimed to be behind another terror attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange which was also foiled by policemen and security guards on duty as a result of which all four attackers were killed. Last December also, a bomb was thrown at a moving Rangers vehicle in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area in which two security personnel were wounded.
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All you need to know about Baloch Liberation Army
Baloch Liberation Army is a militant organization blacklisted by Pakistan, United Kingdom, and the USA. Founded in the year 2000, BLA has launched several violent attacks demanding the separation of Balochistan from Pakistan and has been involved in the ethnic cleansing of non-Baloch minorities.