Islamic state claims responsibility for blast in southwestern Pakistan -group's Telegram channel

Members of a bomb disposal squad examine the site of a blast in Khanozai, Balochistan, Pakistan, February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Naseer Ahmed

(Reuters) - Islamic state claimed the responsibility for a blast in southwestern Pakistan, the group's Telegram channel said on Wednesday.

Two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan killed 26 people and wounded dozens on Wednesday, officials said, raising concerns over security on the eve of a general election.

(Reporting by Yomna Ehab; Editing by Chris Reese)