Deadly Explosion at Quetta Train Station
The death toll from a bombing at the Quetta railway station in Balochistan, Pakistan, has risen to 25, with 14 of the deceased being soldiers. The attack occurred around 9 a.m. local time on November 9, 2024, during a busy time for passengers at the station. Local police official Mohammed Baloch confirmed the casualty figures, stating that the explosion has also left 53 others injured.
Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Responsibility
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. According to Senior Superintendent Muhammad Baloch, the blast is suspected to be a suicide attack. The BLA has been linked to several deadly incidents in Pakistan, particularly following the leasing of the Gwadar port to China, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The group has increasingly targeted security forces and foreign nationals in the region.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
In the wake of the attack, security forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is currently underway. Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures in the region. The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan has been a significant challenge for the Pakistani government, with the BLA being responsible for some of the most lethal attacks in recent years.
