Five Japanese escape unhurt in Pakistan suicide blast attack

Police officers survey the site after a suicide blast in Karachi, Pakistan April 19, 2024. REUTERA/Akhtar Soomro

KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) -Five Japanese nationals in Pakistan escaped unhurt on Friday from a suicide bomb attack on their vehicle as police shot down a gunman accompanying the bomber, a police spokesperson said, but two bystanders were among the three injured.

Islamist militants seeking to overthrow the government and set up their own strict brand of Islamic rule have launched some of Pakistan's bloodiest attacks during the last few years, with some separatist groups targeting foreigners, including Chinese.