3 Killed in Grenade Attack on Flag Store in Baluchistan

In a tragic incident in Baluchistan province, suspected militants launched hand grenades at a house and a store selling Pakistani national flags, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring six others. The attacks occurred in Quetta just days before Pakistan's 77th Independence Day, with the separatist group Baluch Liberation Army claiming responsibility. The group had previously warned shop owners against selling flags and urged the public to refrain from celebrating the holiday on August 14, which commemorates Pakistan's independence from British rule in 1947. Wasim Baig, a spokesman for a local government hospital, confirmed that the facility received three deceased individuals and six injured victims following the violent assaults. The attacks highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, where separatist sentiments have been fueled by a long-standing insurgency. The Baluch Liberation Army's actions reflect their opposition to national celebrations, which they view as a symbol of colonial oppression. In response to the escalating violence, Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, addressed the nation in a televised speech, emphasizing the military's commitment to combating militancy. He called for cooperation from Afghanistan to address the threat posed by the Pakistani Taliban, a group that has intensified its activities along the border. This plea for collaboration comes amid a broader context of violence, as militants recently killed four security personnel in South Waziristan, prompting a military response that resulted in the deaths of six insurgents. The situation in Baluchistan and surrounding areas remains precarious, with ongoing threats from various militant groups challenging the stability of the region.