Islamabad: Pakistani security forces have raided several places in Quetta city and arrested over 70 people in connection with the gunning down of at least 40 Shia Muslims during the past fortnight in sectarian violence in the region. The arrests were made in Saryab, Chaki Shahwani and Khrotabad areas of Quetta, Geo TV reported Wednesday.

Security was beefed up following Tuesday`s massacre in Kali Akhtarabad area of the city. Twelve Shias were gunned down after being forced out of their vehicle.

Twentysix Shias were shot dead near Mastung Sep 20 after their bus was ambushed by gunmen. Three more were killed on the same day when they were going to collect the bodies of those killed in the bus attack from a hospital in Quetta. Heavy police reinforcements have been deployed in the Balochistan provincial capital to strengthen security, the report said.
IANS