Pakistan: 2 Chinese citizens killed in explosion near Karachi airport
Separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army has taken responsibility of the terror attack
Two Chinese citizens were killed, and 10 others sustained injuries on Sunday (October 6) in an explosion near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan.
The deaths were confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.
According to reports, a suicide bomber had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese nationals that was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu.
Separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility of the terror attack.
Suicide bombing targeted Chinese nationals
The outfit said it used vehicle-borne explosives device as part of the ‘suicide bombing’ to target “a high-level convoy” of Chinese nationals including engineers and investors arriving at Karachi airport.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy condemned the attack while calling for a probe and stronger measures to protect Chinese nationals.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the injured and their families during this difficult time," the embassy said.
"We urge the Pakistani authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects operating in Pakistan," the embassy added.
Suspected IED
Confirming the incident, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar told Geo News that the explosion was caused by a suspected improvised explosive device (IED). The incident is being probed further.
Police officers are also said to have been injured in the attack.
In March, five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver ferrying them were killed when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into their convoy in northwest Pakistan.