Diplomatic convoy bombed in Pakistan; policeman killed, diplomats safe
Militants target diplomatic convoy in Swat; policeman dead, three injured
Suspected militants detonated an explosive targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, resulting in a policeman’s death and injuries to three others. The diplomats, from 11 countries, were unharmed, according to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry. The explosion happened in Jehanabad, Swat district, as the convoy was heading to Malam Jabba.
The convoy included diplomats from Russia, Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Portugal. Hospital authorities reported that the three injured policemen are in critical condition. A police official stated that the improvised explosive device targeted the police convoy providing security for them, who were confirmed to be safe.
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased policeman and confirmed that the diplomats had returned safely to Islamabad. The ministry praised law enforcement for their resilience against terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism. The IED struck an advance scout police vehicle, resulting in the policeman’s death.
#BREAKING: Bomb blast targets a security convoy escorting diplomats of 11 foreign countries including Russia to Malam Jabba, Swat in KPK, Pakistan. One police officer killed, four injured. Diplomats believed to be safe. Pakistan unsafe for all foreigners. pic.twitter.com/fAEueGDxEr
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 22, 2024
The diplomats and their families were on an official visit to Swat, organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry alongside the Swat Chamber of Commerce. They were going to Malam Jabba for an overnight stay and were escorted back to Islamabad under tight security.
Pakistan (🇵🇰): A convoy of security personnel that was escorting diplomats from Bosnia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Portugal, was targeted in an explosion. 4 personnel suffered injuries.pic.twitter.com/XIWbluH8e6
— Caveat Lector (@cozyduke_apt29) September 22, 2024
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack, commending the police force for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and emphasising that their efforts would not be in vain. Swat district was a Taliban stronghold during the 2009 insurgency until a significant military operation forced many militants to flee to Afghanistan. Locals displaced during the insurgency returned after a five-month operation restored stability in the area.
What Other Media Are Saying
- DW reports a roadside bomb in northwest Pakistan targets a foreign diplomats’ convoy, killing a police officer and injuring three others. The incident occurred near Malam Jabba. (Read more)
- AP News reports a roadside blast targeting a foreign diplomats’ convoy in Pakistan, killing a policeman, underscoring the escalating militant threat in the region. (Read more)
- Economic Times: A policeman was killed in a blast targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, highlighting rising security concerns. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in Peshawar involving foreign diplomats?
A convoy of foreign diplomats was targeted by an explosion, killing a policeman and injuring three others.
Were any diplomats injured in the explosion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
No, all diplomats were reported safe by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.
Who was injured in the explosion targeting foreign diplomats in Swat?
Three policemen were injured, and one policeman was killed.
Which countries’ diplomats were in the convoy attacked in Swat?
Diplomats from Russia, Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Portugal.
What was the purpose of the diplomats’ visit to Swat district?
The diplomats were on an official visit arranged by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Swat Chamber of Commerce.
