A recent report has highlighted lapses in the security measures for the vehicle transporting Chinese engineers that was targeted in Besham, revealing that it was not adequately fortified against such attacks. The report, forwarded by the police to the Federal Government, emphasized that the bus lacked bulletproof or bombproof features, making it vulnerable to the assault.
Additionally, it detailed that the bus plummeted 300 feet down a ravine post-attack, while another bus in the convoy remained approximately 15 feet away from the targeted one.
Furthermore, authorities have collected remnants of the car driven by the suicide bomber who rammed into the engineers’ convoy. Aerial imaging of the attack site has also been completed, aiding in the investigation process.
The incident, which occurred on March 26, saw a suicide bombing targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers heading to the Dasu hydropower project site, resulting in the loss of at least five lives. China has urged Pakistan to conduct a thorough probe into the attack and to take stringent measures against those responsible, emphasizing the safety of its nationals, institutions, and projects in Pakistan.
According to Mohammad Ali Gandapur, the regional police chief, the explosion resulted from a suicide bomber colliding an explosives-laden vehicle with the convoy. The attack claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver. Images circulated on social media platforms depict the aftermath of the attack, with vehicles damaged and engulfed in flames.
Notably, Dasu has been a target for attacks previously, with a similar incident in 2021 claiming the lives of 13 individuals, including nine Chinese nationals. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police promptly responded to the scene, initiating relief efforts and ensuring the safety of the remaining convoy members.
In response to the incident, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan has strongly condemned the terrorist act and extended condolences to the victims’ families. It has also mobilized emergency response efforts and urged Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to exercise heightened vigilance and implement safety precautions in light of the security situation.
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