Karachi: A female suicide bomber of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) blew herself up at the entrance of the paramilitary force's headquarters in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, following a prolonged gunfight. Six militants were killed in the attack, security officials said.
The attacker blew herself up at the main gate of the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Nokundi town of Chagai district, officials said. The bomber was later identified as Jinata Rafique and her photo was released.
After the blast, six militants tried to enter the headquarters. Security forces, which responded immediately, shot dead three of them near the entrance. The remaining three managed to enter the premises before FC personnel surrounded them. The three were later killed, security officials said.
Residents said gunfire and explosions could be heard from inside the headquarters until Monday evening.
The BLA, considered the most active and well-equipped insurgent group in Balochistan, has carried out its third attack using a female suicide bomber.
In April 2022, Shari Baloch, a mother of two, carried out a suicide bombing targeting Chinese teachers at the Confucius Institute at Karachi University, killing four people, including three Chinese nationals.
In June 2023, another female bomber, Sumaiya Qalandrani Baloch, carried out a suicide bombing targeting a Pakistani military convoy in the Turbat area of Balochistan.