2017 Jhal Magsi suicide bombing
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| 2017 Jhal Magsi suicide bombing | |
|---|---|
 Map of Balochistan with Jhal Magsi district highlighted | |
| Location | Fatehpur, Jhal Magsi, Balochistan, Pakistan |
| Date | 5 October 2017 |
| Target | Pir Rakhel Shah shrine |
Attack type | |
| Weapons | explosive vest[1] |
| Deaths | 20+[2] |
| Injured | 30+ |
On 5 October 2017, a suicide bomber targeted the shrine of Pir Rakhel Shah situated in Fatehpur, a small town in Gandawah tehsil of Jhal Magsi district in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. At least 20 people, including two policemen, were killed and more than 30 others injured in the suicide attack.[1][3][4]
The shrine was previously targeted by terrorists more than a decade ago on 19 March 2005. At least 35 people were killed, including both Shia and Sunni devotees, and several injured when a suicide bomber targeted the shrine of Pir Rakhel Shah in 2005.[5][6][7]
It was the second deadliest attack on a shrine in Pakistan in 2017. Previously in February 2017, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Sehwan that targeted the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, killing at least 90 people.[3]
Bombing
In the evening of 5 October 2017, a suicide bomber targeted the Sufi shrine of Pir Rakhel Shah situated in Fatehpur, a small town in Gandawah tehsil of Jhal Magsi district in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.[8][9] Balochistan government spokesperson, Anwar ul Haq Kakar confirmed that the blast was a suicide attack.[4]
According to Balochistan's Home Secretary Akbar Harifal, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance, after he was intercepted by on-duty police guards outside the shrine. According to him, 18 people including three children and two policemen were killed; and at least 27 others injured, fourteen of them seriously.[10] Balochistan's Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti also confirmed the death toll. Deputy Commissioner Asadullah Kakar said that, the attack took place "at a time when it was packed with people, attending anniversary celebrations of Syed Cheesal Shah".[10] In terms of attendance, thursdays are usually busy at shrines as the day is considered spiritually significant. The explosion took place when the dhamaal was being performed after Isha prayers.[3]
According to Reuters, militant group ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack via its Amaq News Agency.[11]
