Two killed, 17 injured in blast near police mobile van in Quetta

QUETTA: At least two people were killed and 17 others injured after an explosion near a police mobile on Double Road in Quetta on Thursday afternoon.

“The improvised explosive device planted on a motorcycle detonated near a police vehicle in a busy market in Quetta. “Two civilians were killed and 17 people wounded”, Muhammad Baloch, a senior police official, told AFP.

Wasim Baig, spokesman for the Sandeman Provincial Hospital in Quetta, confirmed the death toll.

According to police, the bodies of those killed were shifted to the Civil Hospital.

The Trauma Centre administration said that 17 injured persons, including two children, had been brought in for treatment.

Police Surgeon Dr Ayesha Faiz confirmed that two people lost their lives while 17 were injured, adding that the condition of the three injured was critical.

Locals said that the sound of the explosion was heard in distant areas.

No group has claimed responsibility for the killings in Balochistan, where separatists have increased their attacks on security forces and non-locals in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, ethnic Baloch separatists attacked a train with 450 passengers on board, sparking a two-day siege during which dozens of people were killed.

No group has claimed responsibility for the killings in Balochistan, where separatists have increased their attacks on security forces and non-locals in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, ethnic Baloch separatists attacked a train with 450 passengers on board, sparking a two-day siege during which dozens of people were killed.

Law enforcement agencies have launched a search operation after the blast.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed sorrow over the deaths of the three people in the explosion and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

“We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims,” he said.

The minister said that “enemy forces are targeting Balochistan,” but vowed to thwart the “heinous conspiracy to create instability.”