In the midst of a recent increase in attacks, Balochistan has ordered the closure of three universities in the province due to security concerns. Two universities in the provincial capital, Quetta, were closed indefinitely last week, while a third switched to virtual learning on Tuesday, according to a provincial administrative employee requesting anonymity.

The decision to temporarily close the universities was made after a thorough review of the security situation, the official explained. “It was decided to switch to virtual learning so far because of security concerns.”

The campuses remain closed until at least after Eidul Fitr, only two weeks away when a decision to reopen will be made, the official added. In response to the escalating violence, security in Quetta has been intensified, with additional security forces deployed and additional control points created throughout the city.

This follows a series of attacks from Baloch delights, including an attack on a train with over 400 passengers last week, resulting in a two-day siege and dozens of deaths. On Sunday, a vehicle carried suicide attack killed at least five paramilitary staff.

The attacks were claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (among others), one of several separatist groups that accuse outside of exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources, especially near the borders of Afghanistan and Iran.