Suspected IED explosion kills 3 foreigners, injures 17 in Karachi

A powerful explosion rocked the Karachi airport area Sunday night, claiming the lives of three foreign nationals and injuring 17 others, rescue officials and DIG East confirmed on Monday.

The blast, allegedly caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), also damaged several vehicles, including two rickshaws, two motorcycles, and a police mobile.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion sent clouds of smoke billowing into the air, with the sound of the blast echoing through various areas of the port city, including Malir, Defense, Nazimabad, and Karimabad. 

Rescue teams and firefighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames and tend to the injured.

Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar confirmed that foreign nationals were targeted in the attack.

Sources said the responsibility for the attack was claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

The outlawed group stated that the explosion was carried out using a vehicle-borne IED device.

Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah have taken notice of the incident, ordering a report from IG Sindh and Karachi Police Chief. 

CM Murad has also directed authorities to provide the best medical assistance to the injured and to determine the nature of the explosion.

Airport officials assured that flight operations continue as usual, with the airport building and assets remaining safe. 

An investigation into the location and causes of the explosion is underway.