Quetta, Pakistan – In an unprecedented escalation of violence, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for an IED blast that claimed 10 Pakistani Army lives near Quetta on Saturday near Balochistan province’s capital of Quetta.
Military and local sources reported that the attack targeted a convoy of security forces patrolling between Quetta and Mastung district in Afghanistan. Eyewitnesses heard an explosion which was described as “powerful and precisely timed,” completely destroying one military vehicle while severely damaging others. Witnesses heard loud blasts followed by heavy gunfire as reinforcements arrived at the scene.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, or BLA, quickly claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement released to local media outlets. They explained it as part of their campaign against Pakistani military presence in Balochistan that exploits and suppresses local populations’ natural resources and suppressing local populations’ rights to self-determination.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of its military, confirmed casualties and pledged a strong response: “Our brave soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the sovereignty of their nation; perpetrators of this cowardly attack will be brought to justice,” according to ISPR’s statement.
Balochistan government officials immediately denounced the attack as a cowardly act of terror and intensified security operations throughout the province to hunt down those responsible. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti declared at a press conference held in Quetta that blood of soldiers will not go in vain as peace enemies would be eliminated with full force by security operations in pursuit of them.
This latest attack highlights Balochistan’s persistent instability despite numerous military operations over the years. Even as security has tightened further in the province, separatist insurgencies and militant activity continue in Balochistan; groups like BLA accuse Islamabad of marginalizing Baloch people politically and economically, an accusation which it strongly denies.
International observers have raised their concern over the rising violence, warning it could undermine major infrastructure projects, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Balochistan.
Saturday’s bombing marked one of the deadliest attacks against Pakistani security forces in recent months, further straining efforts to stabilize Balochistan. Security agencies tightened operations amid growing fears of increased violence, raising important questions about long-term prospects for peace in Balochistan.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing, with authorities vowing to strengthen intelligence efforts in order to avoid future incidents.