On Wednesday, a roadside bomb in Balochistan’s Turbat district claimed the lives of two Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and injured four others. The attack occurred in the Dasht Tehsil of Kharan, located between Turbat and Gwadar, while a group of Arab sheikhs, reportedly from the Qatari royal family, were returning to their camp after a hunting trip.
Attack Details and Casualties
According to Hameed Korai, the Assistant Commissioner of Dasht, the explosion targeted a security detail accompanying the Arab hunting party. Fortunately, the Arabs were unharmed in the blast. However, the two FC personnel were killed, and four others sustained injuries. The injured were promptly transported to Turbat for medical treatment. Local administration officials, including Abdul Hameed, confirmed the attack and its details to AFP.
Qatari Royal Family’s Hunting Trip
Sources suggest that the hunting party belonged to the Qatari royal family, though no specific names have been mentioned. The Qatari hunters were in Balochistan to hunt the endangered houbara bustard, a species known for its cultural significance in the Gulf region, where its meat is considered an aphrodisiac. While the attack occurred in an area frequently visited by Gulf elites for hunting, it remains unclear whether the Qataris were the intended target.
No Group Claims Responsibility
As of now, no group has taken responsibility for the roadside bomb attack. The incident adds to concerns over security in the region, where wealthy Arabs travel to hunt, despite controversy surrounding the practice of hunting the vulnerable houbara bustard.
Ongoing Tensions and Concerns
The Bomb Attack highlights the complex security and diplomatic issues in Balochistan, where foreign nationals often engage in hunting trips. Additionally, it underscores the region’s ongoing struggle with militancy, with no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack.
