Bomb targets bus carrying security personnel in Pakistan’s Balochistan, killing seven and injuring 21

A bomb exploded near a convoy carrying security forces in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Sunday, killing at least seven people and injuring 21 others, officials said. The attack came just days after militants ambushed a train in the region, taking hostages and killing dozens.

The convoy, consisting of seven buses, was en route to Taftan, near the Iranian border, when it was targeted near Noshki, a town in Balochistan. According to local police official Mohammed Zafar, a car packed with explosives rammed into one of the buses. Two buses were damaged in the attack, which also involved rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).

In immediate retaliatory action, according to security sources, the security forces killed four militants, including the suicide bomber.

Rescue teams rushed to the site, and the area was cordoned off by security forces. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the main separatist group in the province, which said the bombing was carried out by its suicide attack branch.

The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), later confirmed the incident, identifying the slain as Havildar Manzoor Ali, 38, of Nawabshah; Havildar Ali Bilawal, 39, of Naseerabad; Naik Abdul Raheem, 34, of Badin; civilian driver Jalal ud Din of Quetta; and civilian driver Muhammad Naeem of Kharan.

"In the ensuing sanitization operation, the terrorists were pursued, and after an intense exchange of fire, three were effectively neutralized by security forces," the ISPR said.

The statement added that sanitization operations in the area would continue and vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.

"Pakistan’s security forces, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts to sabotage peace, stability, and progress in Balochistan. Such sacrifices by our brave soldiers and valiant civilians further strengthen our resolve," it said.

On Tuesday, the BLA claimed responsibility for ambushing the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The militants blew up the tracks, opened fire, and took hundreds of passengers hostage. The attack left 26 civilians dead before security forces launched an operation, killing all 33 attackers.

In response, Pakistan on Friday accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan, citing the deadly train hijacking. Islamabad has long blamed its neighbor for fueling separatist unrest in the oil- and mineral-rich province.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned Sunday’s attack, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Those who play with the peace of Balochistan will be brought to a tragic end,” Bugti said in a statement. “This war will continue until every last terrorist is eliminated.”

Security operations are ongoing in the province, which has long been plagued by insurgency and militant violence.

Separately, three members of the security forces were killed Saturday evening in the neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to police sources.

The northwestern province has seen a rise in attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) since the Afghan Taliban -- with which it shares a common ideology and lineage -- returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

- With additional input from AFP.