Karachi, Pakistan – At least two people were killed, and ten others were injured in a massive explosion near Karachi’s international airport on Sunday night. The blast, which local authorities initially believed to be caused by an oil tanker explosion, has now been claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group known for targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

The explosion occurred outside Pakistan’s busiest airport, sending flames into the sky and thick columns of smoke visible from miles away. The blast shook nearby buildings, including those at the airport, and sparked panic among locals and travelers. Videos circulating on social media showed several vehicles on fire and a heavy security presence at the site as the area was quickly cordoned off by police and military personnel.

While police officials, including Azfar Mahesar, initially suggested the blast could have been an oil tanker explosion, the BLA later released a statement claiming responsibility. The group said the explosion was a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) aimed at a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors leaving Karachi’s airport. The Chinese nationals were involved in projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

This incident is part of a series of escalating attacks by the BLA, which has targeted Chinese interests in the region, particularly in the strategic port city of Gwadar. The group accuses China of supporting Pakistan in exploiting the natural resources of Balochistan, where the BLA seeks independence. The attack follows a coordinated series of strikes in August, which left more than 70 people dead in Balochistan.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority assured the public that flights from Karachi airport were unaffected by the explosion, continuing operations as usual. However, the investigation into the exact cause and circumstances of the blast is ongoing, with local and federal authorities working to determine whether it was indeed an accident or a premeditated attack.

The BLA’s latest attack highlights the growing unrest in Balochistan and the increasing danger faced by Chinese workers involved in Pakistan’s infrastructure projects. With thousands of Chinese nationals working on the CPEC, security concerns continue to rise, and the tension between Beijing’s interests and the Baloch separatists is likely to escalate further.