BLA Ambushes Military Bus, Kills 29 Soldiers
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for an ambush on a Pakistan Army bus near Kalat and Quetta. The attackers used a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED), killing 29 military personnel and wounding others. Initial fire followed to intensify the assault on the convoy.
Casualties Confirmed
Pakistani military sources report that 27 soldiers died instantly, and two more succumbed to injuries later, bringing the confirmed death toll to 29. Several other service personnel were injured and are undergoing treatment at nearby military hospitals.
BLA’s Statement and Warning
In its claim, the BLA warned civilians to avoid military convoys in Balochistan, describing the attack as part of their ongoing insurgency. The group explicitly stated that their target was the army bus and claimed responsibility for orchestrating the strike. No mention was made of civilian casualties, and the attack appears specifically aimed at security forces.
Security Crackdown Underway
Pakistan’s army and local law enforcement have launched security operations in the Kalat-Quetta region to locate suspects and secure the area. Checkpoints have been increased along strategic highways, and drone surveillance has been deployed. Authorities warn that further reprisals or follow-up attacks are possible.
Regional Insurgency Context
The ambush follows a string of militant attacks in Balochistan this year, including IED blasts targeting military vehicles and buses. The BLA and other groups are demanding greater autonomy and a larger share of the province’s resource earnings. Pakistan’s government continues counter-insurgency operations to restore order in the mineral-rich but underdeveloped region.
