Authorities in southwestern Pakistan said Monday that a powerful bomb blast hit a police vehicle, killing at least four people and injuring 15 others.
The blast occurred on a busy road in central Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. The dead included two police personnel and two civilians, with hospital officials fearing the death toll could rise.
The deadly attack comes just days after authorities announced a top Baluch separatist leader was in custody. Waseem Baig, a spokesman for the city’s main hospital, confirmed the casualties to reporters, saying several among those wounded “are in critical condition.”
The outlawed Baluchistan or Baluch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the bombing. Baluch insurgents routinely stage attacks against security forces in Baluchistan.
Militants linked to the outlawed Pakistani Taliban and ISIS are also active in the province.
