Pakistan blames India for bombing attack on Chinese consulate in Karachi

Pakistani security officials stand guard after a clash with religious protesters in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday evening, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)

KARACHI, Pakistan -- Pakistani police say the suicide bomber that struck the country's Chinese consulate used foreign-made C-4 plastic explosive and suggested the attack was orchestrated in India.

Counter-terrorism officer Umar Khitab said Saturday that authorities are investigating whether Baluch separatist commander Aslam Achhu, who they believe masterminded the attack, is in India. The Baluch Liberation Army claimed the attack, and Khitab said the group is backed by "the 'enemy country," a reference to India.

Two other officials said four suspects, who allegedly facilitated three attackers, were arrested in Karachi and other Sindh province towns. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media.

Friday's attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi triggered an intense shootout that left all three assailants, two police officers and two civilians dead.