At least 11 paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were killed and dozens injured in a suicide attack on a bus in Balochistan’s Turbat on Saturday. A security official said the blast took place in a suburban area, targeting a convoy traveling from Karachi to Kech.
Norway-based Baloch journalist Kiyya Baloch quoted a Kech security official who said the convoy consisted of seven buses and six escort vehicles. The official said that 53 people were on the targeted bus, mostly FC personnel, and that two FC vehicles were also damaged.
The official confirmed 11 fatalities and 48 serious injuries, adding that all passengers on the bus were affected. A senior provincial administration official, speaking anonymously to Arab News, initially said five soldiers had died, with nearly 40 others, including civilians, injured.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an armed “pro-independence” group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Jeeyand Baloch, the group’s spokesperson, said the Majeed Brigade, its “Fidayee” (self-sacrificing) unit, carried out the attack, causing significant casualties among what he called the “occupying Pakistani army.” He stated that a detailed statement would be released soon.
Security forces and police arrived on the scene shortly after, cordoned off the area, and began an investigation. Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zohaib Mohsin and his family were reportedly caught in the blast and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said SSP Mohsin was slightly injured, while four family members also sustained injuries. Rind added that those wounded were transferred to various hospitals and that the bodies would be sent to their home districts once formalities were completed.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, offered prayers for the victims, and promised that the government would continue efforts to eliminate terrorism. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed deep grief and called those responsible “inhumane,” extending condolences to affected families.
The BLA is considered one of the most active “pro-independence” armed groups in Balochistan, frequently carrying out high-profile attacks. In its annual report, “Dhak – 2024,” the group claimed it conducted over 300 operations last year, allegedly killing hundreds of Pakistani soldiers.
The Majeed Brigade, known as the BLA’s most lethal unit, specialises in high-profile suicide attacks. According to the report, it carried out six major operations in 2024, claiming significant casualties among Pakistani forces.
Saturday’s attack underscores the continued operational capabilities of the BLA, raising concerns about security in the region. The incident also highlights potential risks to foreign investments, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Officials cautioned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of injuries. Further information is expected once the BLA releases its full statement and authorities complete their investigation.