Terrorism Strikes Again: Blast Kills 7, Including 5 Schoolchildren, in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province
Terror Attack on Polio Team
A devastating blast struck a police van guarding a polio team in the Mastung district of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 7 people, including 5 schoolchildren. The incident, which also left 17 others injured, including 4 policemen, is the second attack on a polio team this week.
Eyewitness Accounts
Rahmatullah, a local police officer, described the incident, saying, "Terrorists targeted our police van which was guarding a polio team in the Civil Hospital Chowk area." He added that members of the vaccination team remained unhurt, but one policeman was killed and 4 others were injured in the attack.
Government Reaction
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed his displeasure over the incident, calling it "inhumane." He vowed to avenge the murder of innocent children and people, saying, "The monster of terrorism can only be fought together."
Context and Background
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where the polio virus still exists. This year, Pakistan has reported 43 polio cases so far. The attacks on polio teams are not new, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, a coalition of several militant groups in Pakistan, has long targeted vaccination teams across the country, claiming that the vaccination campaigns are a Western conspiracy to sterilise children.
Previous Attack
This is not the first time a polio team has been targeted. On Tuesday, at least 2 policemen were killed when suspected militants attacked the team in the Orakzai district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In response, police killed 3 suspected militants involved in the attack and arrested 1 in injured condition.
Conclusion
The attacks on polio teams in Pakistan are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region. It is crucial that the government and other stakeholders work together to combat this menace and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and the communities they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in Pakistan regarding polio vaccination?
A: Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where the polio virus still exists, with Pakistan reporting 43 cases so far this year.
Q: Who is responsible for the attacks on polio teams?
A: There is no immediate word of responsibility for both attacks, but Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has long targeted vaccination teams across the country, claiming that the vaccination campaigns are a Western conspiracy to sterilise children.
Q: What is the response of the government to these attacks?
A: The Balochistan Chief Minister has expressed his displeasure over the incident and vowed to avenge the murder of innocent children and people, saying, "The monster of terrorism can only be fought together."