Separatists claim Baluchistan massacre

Gunmen killed at least 14 passengers after forcing them off several passenger vehicles on the coastal highway through Pakistan's restive Balochistan province April 18. Some 20 militants apparently stopped vehicles, checked passangers' identification papers, and shot selected ones to death on the roadside. There was initially speculation that those marked for death were ethnic Punjabis, targeted by the region's Baloch separatists. A statement later issued by a previously unknown militant group said those targeted were determined to be members of the military or security forces. The attack was claimed by the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar, or Baloch People's Liberation Coalition, which is believed to have emerged from factional rivalry between the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). Pakistan has filed a diplomatic complaint with Iran, accusing it of giving the Baloch militants harbor on its territory across the border. (Khaama Press, AP, RFE/RL, Pakistan Tribune)

More terror in Baluchistan

A suicide blast in Quetta, apparently targeting a rally by the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat (ASWJ) political party, left at least seven dead and some 20 wounded Feb. 17. (Al Jazeera)

Karachi stock market building attacked

The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for an attack by armed militants on the Karachi Stock Market building that left 11 dead. (India Today)