In Pakistan, two attacks cost the lives of at least 24 people this Wednesday, February 7, injuring at least 37 others on the eve of the legislative and provincial elections. The explosions took place near candidates’ offices in the province of Baluchistan, without responsibility for the moment.
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With our correspondent in Islamabad, Sonia Ghezali
The first attack occurred in Pashin, a town close to Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The explosion took place outside the electoral office of an independent candidate. Within the hour, another attack took place in Qilla Saifullah, located in the Pashtun area of Balochistan province. The explosion targeted the office of the political party, the JUIF.
Pakistan has been facing violence directed against the electoral campaign for several weeks. They are mainly located in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhutnwa, both bordering Afghanistan. To date, at least two candidates have been killed and dozens of others targeted.
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Security threats come from different groups in Pakistan. There are the armed separatist groups in Balochistan, the Pakistani Taliban and the local branch of the Islamic State group. Security services are on alert across the country due to tomorrow’s legislative and provincial elections.
Nearly 600,000 police officers, soldiers and guards were mobilized across the country to ensure the security of this Thursday’s vote.
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