Bombing Targets Polio Vaccination Team in Pakistan, Killing 7
Attack on Polio Vaccination Team in Pakistan Leaves 7 Dead
A bombing near a girls’ school in western Pakistan has left seven people dead, including five children, in an attack targeting police guarding polio vaccinators. The attack occurred on Friday in the city of Mastung in Balochistan province.
Attack Details
According to officials, the police van that came under attack was taking personnel for the protection of polio staff. The van was in the city’s main market when it was targeted by the bomb. "There is a girls’ school near the place of the attack," said Rahmat Ullah, a senior police officer.
Context: Polio Eradication Efforts
Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic. As a result, vaccination teams are frequently targeted by militants waging a campaign against security forces. The attack on the polio vaccination team is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against polio.
Casualties
Seven individuals were killed in the attack, including one police officer, five children, and one shopkeeper. Senior officer Abdul Fatah confirmed the death toll, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi earlier put the death toll at three children and one police officer.
Reactions
"Targeting children is an act of brutality," said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a statement. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for an end to the violence and a renewed commitment to the fight against polio.
Conclusion
The bombing in Mastung is a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against polio. As the world continues to grapple with the disease, it is crucial that we prioritize the safety and security of those working to eradicate it. The victims of this attack, including the five children who lost their lives, will not be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the attack?
A: A bomb exploded near a girls’ school in Mastung, western Pakistan, targeting a police van carrying personnel to protect polio vaccinators. Seven people, including five children, were killed in the attack.
Q: Who were the victims of the attack?
A: The victims included one police officer, five children, and one shopkeeper.
Q: Why is the attack significant?
A: The attack is significant because it highlights the ongoing challenges in the fight against polio, which remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The targeting of polio vaccination teams is a major obstacle to eradicating the disease.