4 martyred, 19 injured after suicide attack in Quetta

Four security personnel were martyred, and 19 suffered injuries when a suicide attack took place near the Frontier Corps (FC) checkpost on Mastung Road in Quetta on Sunday, reported Aaj News.

Three died immediately in the blast, with another officer dying later of his wounds, said Azhar Akram, deputy inspector general of Quetta police, adding that 17 guards and two civilians were also wounded in the blast. Three are in critical condition, he said.

Police said the suicide blast occurred near the Sohana Khan FC checkpost at Mastung Road, Quetta, adding that soon after the incident, officials and other law enforcement agencies reached the site and started a rescue operation. The officials added that the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital.

They said the suicide blast occurred near the Sohana Khan FC checkpost at Mastung Road, Quetta.

Meanwhile, law-enforcement agencies continued to gather evidence from the blast site, while a further probe began. Initial reports suggested the suicide bomber rammed his motorcycle into the vehicle of a law enforcement agency at the checkpost.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove condemned the attack on security forces and sought a report of the incident. He said security forces have given countless sacrifices in the war against terrorism and this war will continue till the restoration of peace.

He added that the attack will not lower the morale of the forces.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the attack, offering condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayers for the recovery of the injured.

"[I] Salute our security forces and their sacrifices to keep us safe by thwarting foreign-backed terrorists' designs," he tweeted.

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari also condemned the attack.

Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif also offered his condolence, adding that he was saddened at the martyrdom of FC personnel.

"I pay my homage to our armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the motherland. My heartfelt condolences go to bereaved families & prayers for early recovery of the injured," he tweeted.

There has been an increase in such incidents in recent weeks with several attacks having taken place targeting Pakistan's security personnel and civilians.