Diplomatic convoy carrying Russian ambassador hit by landmine in Pakistan

Diplomatic convoy carrying Russian ambassador hit by landmine in Pakistan
/ bno IntelliNews
By bno - Chennai Office September 23, 2024

A multi-national diplomatic convoy in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region narrowly escaped disaster when an escort vehicle hit a landmine near Pakistan’s Mingora on 22 September. Several police officers were injured, though none of the foreign diplomats, including Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, were harmed.

The Russian Embassy in Pakistan confirmed the safety of the diplomats through a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

The embassy reiterated its commitment to ensuring diplomatic cooperation, despite the security risks. The incident occurred as the delegation, which included multiple countries’s ambassadors, was en route to a hotel following their participation in the Swat Tourism Summit organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The summit aimed to promote tourism in the Swat Valley, a region historically affected by conflict but recently positioned as a travel destination. Pakistan’s security situation remains tense, especially in border regions near Afghanistan.

Local authorities have deployed heightened security measures, including police escorts, for high-profile visitors. However, attacks on convoys, especially by roadside mines, remain a common threat in these areas. The police personnel involved are being treated for their injuries, while no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack have surfaced.

The Swat region, once a militant stronghold, has seen a push from Pakistani authorities to revive its tourism sector, but the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing the country.

News

Dismiss