Chinese nationals killed in Karachi airport blast
Blast near Karachi airport kills 2 Chinese nationals; BLA claims responsibility.
Two Chinese nationals lost their lives in an explosion near Karachi’s international airport on Sunday night. The Chinese embassy in Pakistan labelled the incident a “terrorist attack”. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility. They stated in an email to journalists that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeted Chinese nationals, including engineers.
Geo News reported that the blast injured at least 10 people and resulted in fatalities. The exact nature of the explosion remained unclear, according to a provincial official. Karachi police have yet to respond to requests for comment. The incident involved a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.
The Chinese embassy issued a statement condemning the attack, expressing condolences to the victims and sympathy to the injured and their families. The embassy also mentioned that it is collaborating with Pakistani authorities in the aftermath.
Karachi: A convoy of Chinese Investors and engineers escorted under heavy security has been BLOWN UP near International Airport. Several security vehicles also caught fire. Casualties feared.
BLA's ‘Majeed Brigade’ takes responsibility for the Suicide bombing attack. pic.twitter.com/QEcjWU2JeM
— Monk 🇮🇳 (@RealIntelMonk) October 6, 2024
The BLA aims for independence for Balochistan, a southwestern province of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan and Iran. In August, the group orchestrated coordinated attacks in the province, resulting in over 70 deaths. The BLA frequently targets Chinese interests, notably the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea. They accuse China of aiding Pakistan in exploiting Balochistan’s resources. The group has previously attacked Chinese citizens working in the region and Beijing’s consulate in Karachi.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Xinhua reports on a terrorist attack in Karachi, Pakistan, where two Chinese nationals were killed, one injured, and several Pakistani nationals were killed or injured, with the Chinese embassy condemning the act and urging heightened security measures.(read more)
- The Hill reports on a Karachi airport explosion killing 2 Chinese workers and injuring others, raising concerns about targeted attacks on foreign nationals.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the Chinese nationals in Karachi?
Two Chinese nationals were killed in an explosion near Karachi’s international airport.
Who claimed responsibility for the Karachi explosion?
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the explosion.
How many people were injured in the Karachi blast?
At least 10 people were injured.
What was the target of the Karachi explosion?
The explosion targeted Chinese nationals, including engineers, from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.
Why does the Baloch Liberation Army target Chinese interests?
The BLA accuses Beijing of helping Islamabad exploit Balochistan and seeks independence for the province.
