Kech suicide attack

The latest suicide attack in Balochistan highlights the ongoing terror nexus.

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Yet another suicide attack in the revulsive province of Balochistan has brought to the fore the gigantic proposition that the terror nexus is alive, and untamed. In yet another cowardice attack in Turbat area of Kech district on Saturday, at least six people were killed and scores injured. The modus operandi of the act suggests that the intention was to cause a high death toll, and that is why an explosives-laden truck was rammed into traffic. Likewise, it is also evident that law-enforcement personnel were the prime target, as those killed include five FC personnel. With more than a dozen people reported to be in a serious condition at hospitals, among a total of 35 under treatment, there are fears of a rise in casualties.

The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army's Majeed Brigade has claimed responsibility for the attack. This makes it a little easier to join some dots, and conclude that the dreaded outfit's prime ambition is to derail the CPEC project, and put the Chinese personnel on the receiving end. Likewise, the BLA has been at the forefront in attacking security forces and breeding a nexus of fear and otherness. The BLA is not alone in the province and is joined by many other non-state actors who enjoy the luxury of being supported by abettors at home and abroad. Thus, the Kech bloodshed is a lesson in adversity, reminding us that we have only tried to address the issue in a shoddy manner, and have lacked the muscles and the will to take it head on.

The rise in terror attacks in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, both provinces bordering Afghanistan, over the last two years points a finger at foreign meddling. The deteriorating ties with the Taliban dispensation has added new streams to it, and now it is coming up as an existential crisis. The point is what should be done: a humble submission would be to put the house in order, empower the locals of downtrodden regions, and then go on to exterminate the terror nexus.