Quetta Train Station Bombing Claims 22 Lives
A devastating bomb blast at a railway station in Quetta, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, including one woman, according to regional government spokesman Shahid Rind. The explosion occurred on the station platform around 9 a.m. on November 9, 2024, during a time when many passengers were present. Initial reports indicated that the blast was likely a suicide attack, as confirmed by Senior Superintendent Muhammad Baloch. The attack has also left 53 others injured, prompting immediate security measures in the area.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group has been increasingly active in the region, particularly following the leasing of the Gwadar deepwater port to China, part of Beijing's ambitious "Belt and Road" initiative. The BLA has been linked to several deadly attacks in Pakistan this year, including a recent incident in Karachi that resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the bombing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a heinous act of terrorism. Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident, as security forces have cordoned off the area to facilitate investigations. The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan has been a significant issue for Pakistan, with the BLA responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in recent years.
