Four killed as OGDCL convoy targeted by remote-controlled bomb in Balochistan

The BRA has claimed responsibility for the attack on OGDCL convoy.

JAFFARABAD: At least four people, including two security personnel and two officials of Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL), were killed along with three others, when a remote-controlled bomb targeted their convoy in Jaffarabad district on Thursday. Two passers-bys also sustained injuries in attack.

Banned outfit Baloch Republican Army (BRA) has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

A convoy of OGDCL employees escorted by security forces was on its way to Jacobabad from Murad Jamali when it was attacked with a remote controlled device near Dera Allahyar bypass, about 400 kilometre southeast of Quetta.

“A bomb fitted to a motorcycle was parked along the road and detonated by remote control when convoy passed through the area,” district police officer (DPO) Jaffarabad Javed Gharshin, told The Express Tribune. “Anti-state elements are involved in this attack,” he added.

The blast destroyed the vehicle in which employees and some security personnel were onboard. Security personnel set up a security cordon in the area soon after the explosion and shifted the deceased and injured to nearby hospital. “Two people were killed instantly while two others succumbed to their injuries after reaching hospital,” sources said.

The critically injured were shifted to Jacobabad for specialized treatment. The injured were identified as field officer Kamran Siddiq, a rickshaw driver Mohammad Bambal, and truck driver Sayed Mohammad Rasul.

The deceased were identified as Shafiqur Rehman, officer of OGDCL, Mohammad Nawaz driver and slain security personnel as Amjid Ali and Khuda Bhaksh.  The slain Engineer belonged to Jacobabad.

There were seven vehicles in the convoy and few of them were partially damaged while one was completely destroyed. Security forces have mounted a manhunt in the area for the culprits.

The OGDC is engaged in exploiting and exploration of gas and oil deposits in mineral rich Balochistan which is opposed by local Baloch militants.

The banned Baloch militants groups usually target officials and companies engage in exploration in Balochistan. The defunct Baloch Republican Army (BRA) claimed responsibility for the attack and its spokesman who introduced himself as Sarbaz Baloch said his organization will continue such attacks in future.

The BRA had also attacked the OGDCL convoy in March of this year which killed four and injured 18.