A powerful suicide bombing ripped through a political rally in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, leaving at least 26 people dead and dozens more injured.
The explosion occurred in the parking area of a stadium where supporters of the Balochistan National Party had gathered. Emergency services rushed victims to nearby hospitals as security forces cordoned off the blast site.
The Islamic State quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its bomber targeted hundreds of rally participants.
The attack highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where separatists and Islamist groups have repeatedly targeted both civilians and security forces. Authorities have launched an investigation while raising the alert level across the city.