Image source: Bahot Baluch via X
A convoy carrying a high-level delegation of Chinese investors and engineers was targeted in a suicide bombing near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night, according to a statement by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Lanjar confirmed to Aaj News that the explosion occurred near a vehicle carrying foreign nationals.
In a brief statement, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it targeted the convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) as the convoy was leaving the airport.
According to the BLA, the explosion resulted in multiple casualties among Chinese personnel and the security forces guarding them. The group’s spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, added that more details would be released to the media soon.
Initial reports indicate that a car bomb exploded near a traffic signal close to the airport, an area often used for VIP convoys. The explosion sparked a large fire, setting several vehicles ablaze, including those belonging to security forces.
The blast was reportedly heard across multiple areas of the city, including DHA, North Nazimabad, and II Chundrigar Road. Shockwaves from the explosion were felt several kilometers away in Defence and Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and a thick cloud of smoke was seen rising in the sky following the explosion.
By 11:38 p.m., fire brigade vehicles had reached the site, around 25 minutes after the explosion. Due to the fire being caused by oil, firefighters were using foam to extinguish the blaze.
According to latest updates, rangers and a police contingent have cordoned off the area, and an emergency has been declared at the airport, according to officials. People inside the airport have been instructed to remain there “until the next order,” and those landing in the city are also being kept inside the airport.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.