Baloch minister’s house attacked in Pakistan

ISN SECURITY WATCH (Monday, 27 February: 14.09 CET) - One person has been killed and eight others injured in a rocket attack on the home of a cabinet minister in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, news agencies reported.

Two rockets fired by unidentified assailants hit the home of Abdul Quddus Bizinjo, Balochistan’s minister for livestock and dairy. The minister was not at home at the time of the attack, but some of the minister’s relatives and a security guard were wounded.

A spokesman for the separatist Baloch Liberation Army allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to local media reports. Police have reportedly detained five people for questioning in the incident.

Local officials told reporters that Bizenjo’s home may have been targeted because he was a strong opponent of the separatist violence in the province.

Tribal militants in region are demanding greater autonomy and more royalties and control over the province’s vast gas riches.

Separatists have been blamed for earlier bombings and rocket attacks on security force and gas fields in the province.