Suicide Attack on Pakistani Military Convoy Kills Seven Soldiers in Balochistan
Pakistan News: A suicide attack by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents on a Pakistani military convoy in Balochistan has resulted in the deaths of seven soldiers and injuries to 21 others. The attack occurred while the convoy was traveling from Quetta towards Taftan.
Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by the BLA, which asserted that 90 Pakistani soldiers were killed. However, the Pakistani army has yet to confirm this claim.
IED-Laden Vehicle Targets Military Bus
The attack took place in the Noshaki area of Balochistan. Reports indicate that the Pakistani military convoy, comprising seven military buses and two other vehicles, was en route to Taftan when an IED-laden suicide vehicle collided with one of the buses, triggering a powerful explosion. The blast was so severe that the bus was completely destroyed.
Following the attack, the army cordoned off the area and deployed helicopters and drones. A search operation has been launched, but no concrete information about the perpetrators has yet emerged. Balochistan's Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, bly condemned the attack and instructed the army to take strict action.
BLA's Majeed Brigade Claims Responsibility
The BLA's notorious Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. A statement released by the organization said that their fidayeen squad carried out the attack on the RCD highway in Noshaki. The BLA described the attack as part of their ongoing struggle for independence and warned of further attacks in the future.
The BLA claimed that the Pakistani army suffered heavy losses, with 90 soldiers killed. However, the Pakistani army dismissed this claim as insurgent propaganda.
Baloch Insurgents Hijacked Train
Insurgent activity in Balochistan is escalating. On March 12th, Baloch insurgents hijacked Pakistan's Jaffar Express train, carrying 440 passengers. The insurgents killed 21 hostages before security forces killed all 33 attackers in a counter-offensive.
This incident has drawn considerable criticism of the Pakistani government and army due to the escalating terrorist activities in Balochistan and the perceived failure of Pakistani security agencies to contain them.
Why are Baloch Insurgents Taking Up Arms?
The Baloch Liberation Army aims to achieve independence for Balochistan from Pakistan. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, borders Iran and is rich in natural and mineral resources. The Baloch people allege that the Pakistani government and army are exploiting these resources.
Baloch insurgents claim that Pakistan plundered the region for years, subsequently involving China in this exploitation. China's investment in Balochistan's Gwadar port and other projects, they argue, benefits no one locally, instead leading to land seizures and resource depletion.
