At least nine soldiers killed in Pakistan suicide attack
Al JazeeraDec 23, 2022
The Facts
According to authorities in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, a suicide bomber attacked a truck transporting police personnel on Monday, killing at least nine and wounding 13 others.
The officers were reportedly returning to the provincial capital of Quetta after policing a festival. Pictures from the scene depict a crushed and overturned police truck.
The Spin
Narrative A
In a cruel twist of fate, Pakistan is under threat from groups they once vocally supported in their fight against the US. Afghanistan has failed to take steps against militants, and Pakistan is helpless against insurgents launching attacks from their Taliban-controlled neighbor. They have reaped what they've sown regarding support for rogue terror groups. More innocent civilians are being victimized as a result of this foreign policy blunder.
Narrative B
The situation with Afghanistan, and their support or indifference to attacks originating from their country, is a reality that cannot be wished away. It would be foolish to disengage with Kabul over the security situation, as it's clear that a solution can only come from cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan will continue the fight against insurgents the best it can. While there is disappointment that Afghanistan is not taking measures against militant groups, Pakistan's fight is against terrorism, not Afghanistan.
