Blast in Pakistan leaves dead nine security officers

Nine security officers were killed and at least 13 others were wounded during a bomb attack in southwest Pakistan. The blast occured in Balochistan province when the officers were returning to the provincial capital Quetta, after policing the Sibi festival, an annual cultural event.

Preliminary evidence shows that it was a suicide attack, according to the police. Images verified by the BBC show a police truck crushed and overturned, with blood stains on the ground.

Reuters reports that the attacker rammed a motorbike into the truck. No group has claimed responsibility. The Balochistan government has condemned the attack and said that an investigation is underway. The area has been cordoned off and a bomb disposal team is on-site to gather evidence, the authorities say.

Balochistan’s Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said: “All such conspiracies against peace in the province will be made unsuccessful with the public’s support.”