2 Chinese killed, 17 injured in Pakistan suicide attack

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Two Chinese nationals were killed, and 17 others injured, in a suicide attack targeting their convoy near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi late Sunday, officials and the Chinese Embassy confirmed Monday.

The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, in a statement, condemned the "terrorist attack," confirming that two Chinese citizens died and another was injured. The statement expressed condolences to the victims and their families, adding that the embassy is coordinating with Pakistani authorities in the aftermath.

Police reported that a lone suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying the Chinese nationals. Among the injured were several security personnel.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling it an assault not only on Pakistan but also on its "enduring friendship" with China. "We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack," the ministry said.

The explosion, which was heard miles away, occurred outside the airport, but authorities confirmed that all airport installations remained safe and flight operations were unaffected.

The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that has previously targeted Chinese nationals in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. Baloch separatists have long accused China of exploiting the mineral-rich resources of southwestern Balochistan province.