Huginn and Muninn Intelligence

Chinese workers killed in Karachi blast

Information

On Sunday night, a significant explosion occurred near Karachi Airport in southern Pakistan, resulting in two fatalities, including Chinese nationals, and multiple injuries. The blast, which took place around 11 p.m., targeted a convoy transporting Chinese staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company. The Chinese embassy confirmed that two of its citizens died, with another injured, and described the incident as a terrorist attack. Initial reports suggested a tanker explosion, but provincial home minister Zia Ul Hassan later stated it was an IED attack aimed at foreign nationals. Emergency personnel were promptly deployed, and local hospitals received the injured, while ten vehicles, including four completely destroyed, were reported damaged.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA has a history of violence and seeks independence for the Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, was shaken by the blast, which was heard across the city, home to over 20 million people. Videos from the scene showed flames and smoke rising, with paramilitary forces securing the area afterward. Despite the explosion, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that airport operations continued as scheduled, with no damage to airport facilities or infrastructure.

Source: AP, Reuters

So what

This is the second time in recent months that BLA has targeted Chinese workers in the region. As it becomes more clear that local security forces are unable to provide adequate protection to these international workers, it is likely that China will begin to provide their own security. It is possible that this could be in the form of training teams brought in to up-skill local security or through the deployment of private security. Though unlikely, this could see a shift in local politics if Chinese security essentially props up the current government to ensure their contracts.

Follow us to join the intelligence community!

For this story and more, check out “The Intel Brief” podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *